Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aberdeen sign Ghanaian naitive Emmanuel Gyamfi Schalke 04
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Aberdeen sign Ghanaian native Emmanuel Gyamfi from Schalke 04

Emmanuel Gyamfi, a highly rated German youth international, has officially signed with the Dons. The versatile left-back joins on a four-year deal from FC Schalke 04, a team in the Bundesliga 2. The fee for the transfer is undisclosed and is subject to international clearance and visa formalities.

The 20-year-old Emmanuel arrives at Pittodrie after progressing through the esteemed FC Schalke 04 academy, where he was recognised as one of their brightest prospects. “I’m really happy to be here, and so is my family. I am ready to go,” he remarked.

“Now that everything is sorted, I can focus on pre-season, and I am going to work hard before training starts. I will give my best to help the team. I want to show the fans what I can do, as this is a good club, and we all want to achieve even more than we did last season. It was wonderful to see all the fan celebrations after winning the cup. It motivates me to want to do it again, as you can see how much they love Aberdeen.

“It’s a dream to play in Europe on that stage. It can be challenging, but we are going to be ready as a team after a strong pre-season.” As an attacking full-back, Gyamfi brings pace, technical ability, and a keen eye for goal to the Aberdeen squad.

After signing his first professional contract with FC Schalke 04 in 2024, he gained senior experience on loan at VVV-Venlo during the 2024-2025 season.

Don’s boss, Jimmy Thelin, commented on the new acquisition, saying, “Emmanuel is a player we’ve monitored for some time. He has the qualities of a modern full-back—dynamic and hardworking. His development at Schalke and his loan spell show his potential, and we believe he will thrive here.”

Nigeria's Super Eagles come from behind to draw with Russia
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s Super Eagles come from behind to draw with Russia

The Super Eagles arrived in Moscow feeling confident after winning the Unity Cup in west London last week. They were able to secure a 1-1 result even without several key players, such as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Ola Aina.

These absences gave chances to players like Victor Boniface and Christantus Uche, but Tolu Arokodare stood out the most. He has now shown that he deserves to start in the important World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa later this year.

The hosts took the lead just before the half-hour mark through an unfortunate own goal by Semi Ajayi, who redirected Danil Krugovoy’s cross into his own net.

In the 71st minute, Nigeria’s Arokodare seized a moment of carelessness from Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, collecting a poor pass and scoring with a low shot.

Despite facing more Russian attacks, Nigeria held on for a draw, but their overall performance was disappointing.

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia all register wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

International friendlies: Morocco, Cameroon and the Gambia register wins

On Friday, African national teams were busy testing their prowess during the June FIFA window. While some top teams played in Europe, several matches between African teams took place in Morocco.

In Morocco, Cameroon, Niger, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic all won their matches. In Marrakech, Cameroon beat Uganda 3-0.

Cameroon scored through set pieces. Flavien Boyomo and Jean Batoum scored their first goals for the team with headers from corner kicks. Patrick Soko also scored his first goal for the national team, assisted by captain Vincent Aboubakar.

Earlier, Gambia beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Marrakech, with both goals from Adama Sidibeh. Gambia will face Uganda next, while Equatorial Guinea will play Cameroon on Monday in Morocco.

In Casablanca, Niger faced Gabon in an exciting match that ended 4-3 in favor of Niger. Youssouf Oumarou and Oumar Sako each scored, and Daniel Sosah added two goals. Jim Allevinah, Andre Biyogho Poko, and Guelor Kanga scored for Gabon.

In Mohammedia, Burkina Faso bounced back from a recent loss to defeat Zimbabwe 2-0. New signing Stephane Aziz Ki scored first in the 22nd minute, followed by Cyriaque Irie, who scored just before halftime.

Burundi achieved a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Casablanca, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring the only goal from a cross.

In another match, the Central African Republic came from behind to defeat Mauritania. Hemeya Tanjy scored a penalty for Mauritania, but Gabriel Oualengbe equalized, and Paul Guinari scored the winner in stoppage time.

https://twitter.com/bittar32/status/1931246271198548171

Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola's radar to join Man City
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algerian defender Rayan Ait-Nouri in Pep Guardiola’s radar to join Man City

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola wants to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri to fix the team’s left-back position. There is currently no agreement for the 23-year-old Algerian player, but sources believe the deal will go through.

Ait-Nouri is in Algeria’s squad for friendly matches against Rwanda on June 5 and Sweden on June 10. City needs to complete the transfer before June 10 for Ait-Nouri to play in the group stage of the Club World Cup.

City has not had a dedicated left-back since Benjamin Mendy left in August 2021. Players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Joao Cancelo, and Josko Gvardiol have filled in for that role.

Last season, young player Nico O’Reilly also played as a left-back, including in the FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace. Guardiola hopes to address this need this summer, and Ait-Nouri from Wolves is his top choice.

Rayan Ait-Nouri is in his fifth season with Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) and had his best performance under manager Gary O’Neil in 2023/24. He was initially signed on loan from Angers in 2020, scoring on his debut against Crystal Palace, which led to a permanent transfer.

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone attacker Mustapha Bundu ready for new adventure

Mustapha Bundu will leave Plymouth Argyle this summer. His agent told Plymouth Live that clubs in England and Germany are interested in signing him.

The 28-year-old is now a free agent at the end of June after turning down a new contract. Following the team’s relegation from the Championship, he decided to look for new opportunities.

Bundu was Argyle’s second-top scorer last season, scoring 11 goals in all competitions. He netted six goals in the last ten games and also provided seven assists.

John Sivebaek, Bundu’s agent and a former Manchester United and Denmark defender, explained the situation. He said, “Mustapha has enjoyed his time at Plymouth. However, he does not want to play in League One; he wants to aim higher. I have informed Plymouth about this.”

Bundu joined Argyle from Belgian club Anderlecht in the summer transfer window of 2023, signing a two-year contract. He made 70 appearances for the first team, starting 39 games and scoring 14 goals.

Sivebaek added, “This decision is not about Plymouth. Mustapha has been happy there. The problem is the relegation to League One, and he has bigger ambitions. I hope everyone understands his choice.”

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone International Kallum Cesay pens Salford City deal

Salford City have confirmed the signing of Sierra Leone international versatile midfielder Kallum Cesay from National League side Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old joined Wealdstone in February 2024 and played a pivotal role in helping the club maintain its position in The National League, scoring six goals in 37 league appearances during the past season. He earned a reputation at the club for his high energy and strong work ethic.

Before joining Wealdstone, Cesay spent his early career at Tottenham Hotspur and made four international appearances for Sierra Leone, scoring twice for the national team.

Kallum has signed a two-year deal with The Ammies and is eagerly anticipating his first match at The Peninsula Stadium. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I am very happy to be here, and my first impressions are excellent. I’m eager to get started now; I’ve watched a couple of games and I like the way they play, so I want to get going.

“Promotion is the goal, but we will see how the season unfolds. I have no doubts; we have some really good players, so we should be alright. I am looking forward to playing in front of the Salford fans, and I just need to deliver for them—no excuses, no exceptions.”

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Kamil Conteh attracting attention from English clubs

Recent reports have indicated that Derby County has made a bid for Bristol Rovers’ midfielder Kamil Conteh. However, according to journalist Dan Hargreaves, this information is incorrect. Despite this, the Sierra Leone international is still sought after by several English clubs.

Bristol Rovers have not received any bids for Conteh so far, but many clubs are likely to show interest in him this summer.

It may be difficult for Bristol Rovers to keep him after being relegated to League Two.

Kamil Conteh has emerged as a prominent prospect, capturing the attention of several top English clubs. All eyes are on Conteh as summer unfolds to see where he will play next season.

On March 17, 2022, Conteh received his first call-up to the Sierra Leone national team for friendlies against Togo, Liberia, and Congo.

A week later, he earned his first cap during a 3–0 defeat to Togo, playing the full 90 minutes. Since then, he has earned nine caps for the West African nation.

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Gambia at work for Equatorial Guinea and Uganda friendlies

Ex-Sierra Leone coach, Johnathan McKinstry‘s Gambia completed their first session ahead of two highly anticipated international friendly matches this month that aim to sharpen his team.

Both matches are set to unfold in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, Morocco, known for its rich culture and warm hospitality.

The Gambia team, known as The Scorpions, will start their test match on June 6, 2025, against Equatorial Guinea, following a challenging match with Uganda on May 9, 2025.

These friendly games are important for the Scorpions. They are preparing for their World Cup qualifier match against Seychelles in September 2025.

The coaching staff aims to improve the team’s fitness, tactics, and teamwork during these matches.

Currently, The Gambia is struggling in the World Cup qualifiers. They are second from the bottom in Group F, with only 5 points from six matches.

The upcoming friendlies will help the team regain confidence and improve their chances in the qualifiers.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium

The Super Eagles have made several changes to their squad for the upcoming match against Russia in Moscow on Friday June 6, at Moscow’s iconic Luzhniki Stadium.

The match will be the first senior-level encounter between Nigeria and Russia. After winning the 2025 Unity Cup in London against Jamaica in a dramatic penalty shootout, Chelle is now focusing on Nigeria’s next game.

Football Sierra Leone has learned that Brentford youngster Benjamin Fredrick secured his spot on the squad after a strong debut performance for the Super Eagles in the London Unity Cup.  

Additionally, three players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have been included in the travelling party: Isaac Saviour from Enugu Rangers and Sodiq Ismail and Sikiru Alimi from Remo Stars.

Originally, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel was the only player from the domestic league selected for the trip to Russia. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface will also join the squad from Nigeria.

Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Nigeria final list for Russia friendly at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on June 6th
Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia overcomes Burkina Faso in friendly test

Tunisia defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in an international friendly match on Monday at Hammadi Agrebi Olympic Stadium, scoring both goals in the final moments.

Edmond Tapsoba’s own goal and Hazem Mastouri’s (Tunisia) right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal were enough for the Eagles of Carthage of Tunisia.

Tapsoba’s own goal came in the 60th minute and Mastouri scored the second in the 91st minute as Tunisia emerged victorious.

This friendly match is the first of three practice games for Tunisia in eight days, with upcoming matches against Morocco and Zambia. These games will help the team prepare for key qualifying matches.

In September, the Carthage Eagles will play Liberia again and then face Equatorial Guinea. In October, they will compete against Sao Tome and Principe and have a final match against Namibia.

Tunisia’s recent wins have helped them move up three spots in the FIFA rankings, now sitting at 49th place. These friendly matches will be important in shaping their ranking for the next update in July.