Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana's Mohammed Kudus delighted after joining Tottenham
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus delighted after joining Tottenham

Mohammed Kudus, an international from Ghana, has said he is happy following his move from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur for an alleged £54.5 million.

A long-term contract has brought Spurs’ 24-year-old midfielder. Kudus contributed eight goals in the Premier League last year. He is currently the highest Ghanaian player ever in terms of cost.

As Tottenham begins a fresh era under coach Thomas Frank, he is the fifth player to arrive this summer.

Along with centre-backs Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai, Kudus follows Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso, who both signed permanently after loan stints.

Kudus said he was eager to join the club. He stated, “I have always wanted to play at the highest level.” This is a significant event; I am glad to be here and look forward to beginning. He was drawn to Spurs by the possibility of collaborating with Frank. The most significant factors I travelled here, Kudus pointed out, are the project and how the manager views my growth.

Kudus scored 19 goals and assisted 13 more in 80 games for West Ham after transferring from Ajax in 2023. He has shown up 65 times in the Premier League and has contributed 25 goals. With 42 appearances for Ghana, he scored 12 goals as an international player.

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sunderland sign Ivorian star player Simon Adingra

Sunderland FC has formally revealed the permanent transfer of brilliant winger Simon Adingra from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old global from the Ivory Coast has made the transfer for a reported £21 million, agreeing to a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Originally from FC Nordsjælland, a Danish club renowned for nurturing young talent, Adingra first joined Brighton in 2022. While on loan at Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the 202223 season, he gained priceless experience that helped them to campaign noticeably.

He appeared in 29 games last season in the Premier League, displaying his ability by scoring two goals and giving two assists to his teammates.

Looking to have a big influence in the English Football League, Adingra’s career is at a thrilling fresh start with this move to Sunderland.

DR Congo's  Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland's long-term deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki pens Sunderland’s long-term deal

Sunderland has confirmed their new acquisition DR Congo International Noah Sadiki on a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light and becomes the third summer sigings ahead of the Premier League season.

Having been instrumental in their historic 2024–25 Belgian championship win, the adaptable midfielder arrives on Wearside from Royale Union SaintGilloise for an unknown sum.

Before joining Union SG in 2023, the 20-year-old already has 140 senior appearances under his belt and represented R.S.C. Anderlecht.

 

He stated: “I am grateful to everyone for their welcome in Sunderland. Though this Club is large, talking to the people persuaded me. They discussed their belief in my role, the history, and their wish for construction.

I’ll add duels, forward runs, track back, and passion. First and foremost, I seek victory; hence, I carry this wish everywhere I walk onto the field. My team is now this one, and I am very satisfied with my choice.

Born in Brussels, Sadiki joined Anderlecht at six and climbed through the RSCA levels before Head Coach Vincent Kompany noticed him and chose him for two friendly games in October 2021 and January 2022.

Featuring 12 times in the Jupiler Pro League during the 202223 season and five times in the UEFA Conference League, he also played for RSCA Futures, Anderlecht’s second team, in the Challenger Pro League, Belgium’s second division.

Hosts Morocco record first win in Women's Cup of Nations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Morocco record first win in Women’s Cup of Nations

Morocco overcame the Congo DR in a thrilling 4-2 victory on Wednesday evening, a match of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024.

For the hosts, who had drawn with Zambia in their opening game earlier in the week, this amazing performance was essential.

Early in the match, DR Congo stunned the home favourites with a quick opener in the 6th minute, bringing life to it. Merveille Kanjinga finished with assurance after Naomie Kabakaba’s well-weighted through ball was delivered.

A first-half double by star forward Ghizlane Chebbak propelled Morocco to a 2-1 advantage at halftime. Flavine Mawete scored a goal in the 70th minute to equalise for DR Congo.

Chebbak, however, quickly helped Imène El Ghazouani to reclaim Morocco’s lead at 3-2. Then Anissa Lahmari won a penalty, which Yasmin M’Rabet converted in the 83rd minute.

Although DR Congo presented late opportunities, Morocco’s defence stood steady, guaranteeing a robust start to their WAFCON 2024 campaign.

New Everton's deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

New Everton’s deal for Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueye

With the option for another year, Senegal international Idrissa Gana Gueyehas signed a new one-year deal with Everton to stay until June 2026.

Winning the Club’s Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season accolades, Gueye had a remarkable 2024–25 season.

Gueye said: “Everyone knows what Everton means to my family and me following his contract. This club is more than merely a place I play; it’s part of who I am after six seasons here. Beginning my seventh year as a Blue brings me great pride. I am ready and more driven than I have ever been last season.

“This season is significant given our new stadium and momentum.” We have the opportunity to construct something significant. To once again raise the bar and bring Everton back where it should be, we need to collaborate—players, coaches, the manager, the board, and our fans. I completely support that challenge. Let’s start over together.

Manager David Moyes of Everton was pleased to extend Gueye’s contract, noting, “We are excited Idrissa has left. Given many new players and the new stadium, his familiarity with the Club will be rather important. Idrissa will help everybody integrate.”

Gueye will increase his 211 Everton appearances made since joining from Aston Villa in August 2016. After three years with Paris Saint Germain, he came back to the club in 2022.

Tensions mount as FIFA drawn into SLFA elections dispute
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tensions mount as FIFA drawn into SLFA elections dispute

The governing body of football, FIFA, has stated that it will intervene if elections are not conducted, which could have significant consequences for the governance of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).

FIFA has also raised concerns about external influence following disputes within the lower electoral levels of the SLFA as preparations for the presidential election, scheduled for August 2nd, are ongoing.

This comes as a result of elections held at the district levels in the Falaba and Karene Football Association, which have been overturned after a ruling and directives of the Electoral Appeals Committee of the Sierra Leone Football Association.

The Electoral Appeals Committee of the SLFA decided to overturn the election process on the grounds of irregularities, despite their jurisdiction being limited to the SLFA elections, which has attracted the attention of FIFA to interfere.

FIFA, to resolve the issue, arranged a meeting with the Ethics Committee, the Electoral Committee, and the Electoral Appeals Committee.

Authorities within the global football body told them during this meeting that, under the SLFA statute, the Electoral Appeals Committee has no jurisdiction over appeals from the territories and emphasised the importance of cordiality between the Secretariat and committees, stressing adherence to SLFA statutes.

According to the SLFA, FIFA reminded the meeting that the mandate of the current Executive Committee has expired, necessitating elections to renew leadership legitimacy.

Even though FIFA issued warnings, the Electoral Appeals Committee insisted on their decision and suggested that FIFA review their ruling and come up with a judgment.

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali edge Tanzania as South Africa defeat Ghana in WAFCON

On Monday night, Mali narrowly defeated Tanzania 10 in Group C TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Following a set piece, Saratou Traoré scored with a composed shot from the centre of the box during stoppage time in the first half to become the only goal of the game.

In a game when both sides generated chances but had trouble turning them into goals, this objective became the deciding moment.

Tanzania had several scoring opportunities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani that Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao, saved. Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, but offside calls presented problems.

Tanzania had many scoring possibilities in the second half, including a header from Stumai Athumani saved by Mali’s goalkeeper, Fatoumata Karentao. Although Elizabeth Chenge also had an opportunity, Tanzania struggled with offside judgments.

Mali played defensively; Karentao made important saves to protect their lead. Tanzania argued for an equalizer during stoppage time and won late free kicks, but Donisia Minja’s shot in the 95th minute went over the goal.

Ultimately, Mali grabbed the victory by remaining steady and grabbing their chances, therefore raising their position in the competition.

Early on, in their Group C opening in Oujda on Monday, reigning champions South Africa got their 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations going with a 20 victory against Ghana.

The first 35 minutes saw the goals by Linda Motlhalo and Jermaine Seoposenwe, which helped Banyana Banyana demonstrate they are formidable title contenders in the larger 12-team competition.

Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results
Day three of the Women's Cup of Nations results
Ola Aina has inked new Nottingham Forest deal until 2028
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigerian defender Ola Aina inks new Nottingham Forest deal

Nottingham Forest has confirmed that Nigerian defender Ola Aina has signed a fresh deal, therefore lengthening his contract through the summer of 2028.

Beginning in 35 of 38 Premier League games, the Nigerian was crucial in the team’s 24/25 run.

Mostly used on the right side of Forest’s stout defence throughout the season, the versatile 28-year-old had spent the majority of the past season playing leftback.

He acquired possession in the defensive third more times than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2024–2025 campaign, thanks in large part to his persistent defence.

Ola Aina scored twice during Forest’s seventh-place Premier League finish, including a spectacular 30-win over West Ham.

From Turin, he joined Forest in the summer of 2023 and has made 59 appearances thereafter. Having played 100 games in Italy’s top division, Aina is on the verge of another milestone with only four caps required to reach 50 for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Aina expressed his enthusiasm at the contract extension and stated he feels at home with the club and is getting ready for the next season.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis lauded Aina’s personality and influence; Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson noted his contributions on and off the field. Aina is happy to keep travelling with the club and help meet its goals.

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Alie Conteh joins Norwegian side Strømsgodset

Striker Alie Conteh, 20, has signed a four-year contract with Norwegian top-tier side Strømsgodset and will wear jersey number 20 ahead of the season’s second round.

“I am very happy to join Strømsgodset. I have dreamed of this moment and worked hard to reach it,” said the player from Sierra Leone after completing his contract.

After successful negotiations with Mjøndalen, the transfer details were finalized, and Conteh passed his medical examination. He is now officially a Strømsgodset player until the summer of 2029.

“We are pleased to secure a young and promising striker who has shown great development at Mjøndalen,” said sports manager Jostein Flo. “We appreciate Mjøndalen for their positive dialogue that allowed us to bring him in before the transfer window.”

Conteh, on loan from Goderich FC, quickly made an impact at Mjøndalen by scoring a hat-trick in his second match. Last season, he played 30 games and scored seven goals, while this season he has netted 12 goals in 17 matches.

He will train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday and hopes to play in Sunday’s home game against Tromsø.

“I have the mentality of a lion, and I’m a hard-working player who wants to give everything for the team,” he said. “I want to bring joy to the supporters by scoring goals.”

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women's Cup of Nations win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria and Algeria register opening Women’s Cup of Nations wins

Nigeria started their quest for another Women’s Africa Cup of Nations championship with a 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

With a header from Omorinsola Babajide’s cross, Asisat Oshoala found the fourth minute. Nigeria dominated the first half, keeping Tunisia under pressure. Just before halftime, Babajide scored following a pass, bringing the total to 20; VAR confirmed the goal.

Nigeria made three substitutions at halftime, bringing in Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe, thereby adding energy to the squad.

Elsewhere, thanks to a goal from midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni, Algeria won 1-0 versus Botswana in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco.

Described as a tight shot with a reserved celebration, the aim represents her return to her roots and her loyalty to the team at the age of 29.

All Sunday's WAFCON results
All Sunday's WAFCON results