Category: Sport News

Dates Confirmed for Champions League, Confederation Cup draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Record-breaking prize money awaits CAF inter-club winners

The finals of the CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup are set to offer more than just continental glory; the winners in the 2025/26 season will receive record-breaking prize money.

In the Champions League final, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will face Morocco’s AS FAR, while Algeria’s USM Alger will compete against Egypt’s Zamalek in the Confederation Cup.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe recently announced that the Champions League winners will earn USD 6 million, up from USD 4 million, a significant 50 percent increase, reflecting a rise from the USD 2.5 million that winners received in 2021.

The Confederation Cup has experienced even bigger gains, with prize money doubling from USD 2 million to USD 4 million. Both USM and Zamalek are recent champions, with USM winning in 2023 and Zamalek following in the next season.

CAF’s commitment to investing in African club football extends beyond the finalists. In a bid to assist clubs facing logistical challenges, Dr Motsepe announced that clubs eliminated in the preliminary stages will now receive USD 100,000 each, doubling previous support.

As a result, a record 130 clubs from across Africa will participate in both tournaments in the 2025/26 season.

This increase in prize money is part of CAF’s strategy to boost the value and competitiveness of African football, helping clubs develop talent and compete more effectively on the global stage.

Ibrahim Fullah is over the moon to receive young Player of the Year award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ibrahim Fullah is over the moon to receive young Player of the Year award

Ibrahim Fullah has expressed his delight after he received the Charlton Athletic’s Valley Gold Young Player of the Year award following the Addicks’ 2-1 victory over Hull City at The Valley on Saturday.

After accepting the honour, the 19-year-old academy graduate expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s definitely unexpected, but I’m really thankful for this award! So many incredible names have won it before me, and just being listed among them is amazing. I’ve grown up with Tyreece Campbell, who is also on that list, so it feels special to be recognised like this,” he told his club website.

The 2025/26 season marks a pivotal year for Fullah as he makes his mark as a player for Charlton. He has already made 13 appearances in all competitions, finding the back of the net twice during the Carabao Cup.

“There have been plenty of ups and downs; it’s part of football. You can only control what you can control, and that’s what I focused on until my chance came. When it did, I knew I had to make the most of it,” he noted.

“I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be a first-team footballer. It has required a great deal of hard work and sacrifice, but I’ve also grown a lot along the way.

Having confidence, patience, and a solid support network from coaches, staff, and teammates has been crucial.

This whole group is fantastic, and my family has played a big role in my journey as well. I’m truly grateful for all of it. As a team, we know what we’re capable of achieving together. Capable of, and we can achieve it. It’s been a really good season.”

Momoh kamara makes IF Elfsborg debut in Swedish Allsvenskan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Momoh Kamara makes IF Elfsborg debut in Swedish Allsvenskan

Sierra Leonean International Momoh Kamara made his debut for IF Elfsborg during their 2-1 defeat to Kalmar FF in the Allsvenskan on Monday night.

The 20-year-old began the match on the bench before coming on to play his first 32 minutes in the Swedish top flight.

The action began early at Guldfågeln Arena, with Elfsborg capitalising on strong pressing in the fifth minute. Taylor Silverholt won the ball and set up Frederik Ihler, who scored with precision, putting Elfsborg ahead 1-0.

Kalmar, however, quickly struck back, finding the equaliser in the 13th minute with a well-executed low cross that finished just past Elfsborg’s goalkeeper, Isak Pettersson.

The home side continued to dominate the game, forcing Elfsborg’s defence to work hard, but chances were limited for Elfsborg, with Simon Olsson’s long-range effort being the closest to a goal.

In the second half, both teams had chances, but Kalmar took the lead in the 57th minute with quick passing. Elfsborg’s manager, Björn Hamberg, brought in Ari Sigurpálsson and debutant Momoh Kamara to boost energy, but Kamara’s shot failed to challenge the goalkeeper.

Elfsborg intensified their attacks, yet Kalmar’s defence remained solid. With ten minutes left, fresh strikers Leo Östman and Dion Krasniqi were brought on, but they couldn’t score. Elfsborg left Borås empty-handed, suffering their first loss of the season.

Ademola Lookman on facing Arsenal after injury scare
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ademola Lookman on facing Arsenal after injury scare

Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has expressed his eagerness to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League first-leg semifinal at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday.

The La Liga side has been without Lookman in their last two league matches due to injury concerns surrounding the Super Eagles forward.

However, Lookman, who made the switch to Atletico from Serie A club Atalanta, has assured Atlético fans that he is fit to take on the Gunners.

“Wednesday will be a very special game,” he stated during a press conference on Monday. “I’ve missed a couple of matches, but I’m feeling much better now. The fans have given us a massive boost, and we’re looking forward to the same energy on Wednesday.

“The first time I faced Arsenal was as a kid with Charlton, so this match is really special for me,” he said. “Atleti is a huge club with top players performing at a high level. It’s a privilege to contribute, and the work over the last month has been fantastic.”

Lookman injured himself during the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad in the 62nd minute. Ahead of the Arsenal match, Diego Simeone confirmed, “Lookman isn’t ready for tomorrow’s match. Substituting him in the final was the right decision.”

Since joining from Atalanta in January, Lookman has been in great form, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in eighteen appearances across all competitions.

Mustapha Bundu on the scoresheet in Hannover 96’s triumph against Karlsruher
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mustapha Bundu on scoresheet in Hannover 96’s triumph against Karlsruher

Sierra Leonean player Mustapha Bundu scored again for his German Bundesliga 2 team, Hannover 96, as they won 3-1 against Karlsruher SC on Saturday.

Hannover 96 celebrated an important away victory at the Wildpark Stadium. Bundu scored the first goal, but KSC striker Schleusener equalised shortly before halftime.

Kolja Oudenne then scored to give Hannover the lead. In stoppage time, Hannover had a chance to secure the win with a penalty. They missed the first attempt but had to take it again, and the second attempt resulted in a goal. The team took three crucial points back to Maschsee.

The goalscorers, Bundu, Kolja Oudenne and Yokota, helped the team achieve this away win, which was capped by a penalty goal in stoppage time.

Mustapha Bundu on the scoresheet in Hannover 96’s triumph against Karlsruher
Mustapha Bundu on the scoresheet in Hannover 96’s triumph against Karlsruher
Alie Conteh nets winner in Inter Turku's win over IFK Mariehamn
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alie Conteh nets winner in Inter Turku’s win over IFK Mariehamn

Sierra Leone’s Alie Conteh scored the only goal and a vital one as Inter Turku defeated IFK Mariehamn 1-0 on Saturday in the Finnish Veikkausliiga.

Inter played against IFK Mariehamn at Veritas Stadion on Saturday evening in windy and cold weather. The home team, which started the season without losing, showed a strong performance right from the beginning.

The first chance came in the 15th minute when Jean Botué, who played well, took a shot from inside the box, but IFK goalkeeper Kevin Lund saved it for a corner.

IFK had their only real chance in the 41st minute when Leo Andersson shot from outside the box towards the top corner, but Eetu Huuhtanen blocked it for a corner.

Before halftime, Inter almost scored when Johannes Yli-Kokko had a shot that hit the post after a good cross from Jussi Niska. Loïc Essomba also had another shot, but the score stayed 0–0 at halftime.

In the second half, Inter passed the ball well, and pressure on IFK’s goal grew. In the 70th minute, Eeli Kiiskilä tried a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but Lund made another save.

In the 79th minute, Inter finally scored. Full-back Jussi Niska crossed from the left, and Alie Conteh headed the ball into the bottom corner from close range.

After the goal, Inter created several more chances, keeping the pressure on. Seth Saarinen had a good curled shot toward the back corner, and then Prosper Ahiabu tried a close-range shot from a low cross. However, no more goals were scored, and Inter won 1–0 with a strong performance in front of their home crowd.

Ex-Ivorian international Emmanuel Eboué speaks about a difficult family situation
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Emmanuel Eboué opens up about a difficult family situation

Former Arsenal and Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue has opened up about the drastic turn his life took after his breakup with the mother of his three children.

During an appearance on the 5th House Podcast, the 42-year-old shared how legal issues ultimately left him financially devastated in England, the country where he enjoyed the peak of his professional career.

Eboué, who was a key player for the Gunners during the mid-2000s, revealed that the settlement led to him losing all his assets based in the UK. “I lost a lot. A lot. To be honest, I can’t disclose how much, but it was significant,” he stated, recalling his journey that began in the youth academy of ASEC Mimosas.

“I lost everything in my life while in England. I built my entire career there; I owned several properties, three houses, and a collection of cars. I lost them all, along with my money.” He reflected on his struggles, saying, “I was incredibly down.

Living in a place where the press knew my whereabouts made things even tougher. Each day, they were waiting outside, so I had to cover the windows with boxes, just to avoid being photographed. It really took a toll on me—I didn’t even have the appetite to eat.”

Eboué elaborated on how his downfall began: “My agent demanded €1 million, and I decided I’d rather stop playing football than give them that money. When I refused, my ex-agent reported me to FIFA, resulting in a one-year ban. To escape the spotlight, I moved back to Turkey, trying to keep my situation under wraps, and that’s when the divorce proceedings began.”

He began his European career with Belgium’s Beveren in 2002, but most notably, he spent the crucial years from 2005 to 2011 at Arsenal, making 214 appearances, including playing in the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final. Later, he joined Galatasaray, where he played consistently and clinched five domestic titles in Turkey.

Eboué made his international debut for the Ivory Coast in 2004, earning a total of 79 caps by 2013 and participating in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and two World Cups.

Predominantly a right-back, he formed a solid defensive partnership with former teammate Kolo Touré for the Elephants. Eboué scored his first international goal in a 2-2 draw against Germany and was named in Sven-Göran Eriksson’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Hussein Mohamed suspended as Kenya Football Federation president
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hussein Mohamed suspended as Kenya Football Federation president

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has suspended its president, Hussein Mohamed, amid a major scandal that is shaking the country’s football community.

In a statement released on Friday, the federation announced that Mohamed has been temporarily removed from his position while an investigation into serious claims of governance and ethical breaches is underway.

The FKF emphasized that this decision was made to uphold the integrity of the organization and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. While officials did not disclose the specifics of the allegations, sources within the federation suggest that the controversy involves financial irregularities and potential abuse of power, escalating scrutiny on FKF’s leadership in recent weeks.

This suspension marks a significant shift for Mohamed, a well-known figure in Kenyan football administration. His leadership has included efforts to stabilize the federation and rebuild trust among stakeholders after years of instability in the sport.

The FKF stated that an interim leadership structure would be put in place shortly to maintain continuity in operations, especially with ongoing domestic competitions and national team activities. The federation also reassured fans, sponsors, and international partners of its commitment to accountability and transparency.

“The federation is fully committed to working with all relevant authorities to uncover the facts,” the statement read. “Appropriate actions will be taken based on the investigation’s findings.”

Former Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo died during a match
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Former Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo died during a match

Former Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo has died after collapsing during a friendly match, likely from a cardiac arrest. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced he was 40 years old and fell just five minutes into the second half in Kaduna.

Eneramo played 10 times for the Super Eagles and had successful stints in clubs across Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Known for his strength and scoring ability, he was nicknamed Al Dababa (The Tank) by fans during his time at Esperance in Tunisia. Dr Mohammed Sanusi from the NFF called his death “devastating.”

Eneramo turned down offers from Tunisia to represent Nigeria, making his debut against Jamaica in 2009. He scored in a crucial match against Tunisia that helped Nigeria qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, although he was not selected for the tournament.

Sanusi hoped God would grant Eneramo eternal rest and comfort his loved ones. Eneramo joins other former African players, like Cameroon’s Marc-Vivien Foe and Ivorian Cheick Tiote, who have died from heart issues during games.

A 2009 study found black African athletes might face a higher risk of heart problems, leading Didier Drogba to call for mandatory medical check-ups for professional players.

Ghana unveils Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana unveils Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of World Cup

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Football Association introduced Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, on April 23. He will lead the team in this year’s World Cup.

Carlos Queiroz, a Portuguese coach, spoke to the media about his role ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He shared his plans for the Black Stars and aims to make Ghana “a country of champions” as they prepare for the tournament.

Queiroz said this job is more than just winning games. He wants to change the culture, discipline, and identity of the team. He described it as a mission, not just a contract, and he aims for Ghana to excel in football and become true champions. He wants to build a strong and united team that can handle pressure on the world stage.

Queiroz has plenty of experience with World Cups. He helped South Africa qualify for the 2002 tournament and led Portugal to the Round of 16 in 2010.

He also managed Iran in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. In addition, his work with Egypt, Japan, Qatar, and Oman shows he can stabilise and improve national teams.

Ghana will start its 2026 World Cup journey against Panama in Toronto on June 17. The team will then face tough games against England and Croatia in Group L. Queiroz plans to work with the players in the coming weeks to build teamwork, tactical skills, and mental toughness. His goal is to ensure that Ghana is not just participating in the World Cup but aiming to compete seriously for the title.