Category: Sport News

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.

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls to face Benin in second phase of the Women's World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s to face Benin in second phase of the World Cup qualifiers

The Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s National Team is set to face Benin in May after they eliminated the Ivory Coast in the first leg of the preliminary matches.

In the first leg, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. In the return leg, the Sierra Leonean team demonstrated resilience and determination, winning 2-1 to qualify. As a result, they secured their spot in the second preliminary round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

Elsewhere, the biggest surprise came from Benin, who lost 3–1 in the first match but won 4–0 against Burkina Faso in the second match. Romaine Gandonou scored all four goals.

Cameroon, Ghana, and Ethiopia all won by a score of 6–0, showing their strength. Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda also qualified easily. In a close match, Senegal beat Tunisia 2–1, and both Tanzania and Burundi moved on as well.

Next, the focus will shift to the second round, which runs from May 22 to May 31.

Sierra Leone v Benin in the second round of the qualifiers schedule

* First Leg: May 22nd, 23rd, or 24th

* Second Leg: May 28th, 29th, or 30th

Second-round fixtures – FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 qualifiers

  • Guinea vs Nigeria
  • Benin vs Sierra Leone
  • Senegal vs Cameroon
  • Liberia vs Ghana
  • Zambia vs DR Congo
  • Ethiopia vs Burundi
  • Tanzania vs South Africa
  • Kenya vs Uganda
SLFA Launches Global Search for Leone Stars Coach Amid Kallon Fallout
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Launches Global Search for Head Coach Amid Kallon Fallout

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has opened a global recruitment process for a new head coach of the country’s senior men’s national team, days after the controversial dismissal of Mohamed Kallon. This move continues to spark public debate and raises the prospect of legal action.

In a vacancy notice issued on April 22, the federation invited “suitably qualified and experienced” candidates to apply, signalling urgency in filling the vacancy amid mounting scrutiny. Applicants are required to hold at least a CAF A Licence or equivalent, with preference for those possessing CAF Pro or UEFA Pro qualifications, alongside a proven record at national team or top-tier club level.

The successful candidate will be tasked with leading the team’s technical direction, overseeing player scouting both domestically and within the diaspora, and implementing modern tactical and performance-driven systems.

The role also includes aligning the senior team with youth development structures to strengthen long-term competitiveness. The recruitment drive, however, is unfolding against a potentially destabilising backdrop.

Kallon, a former national team captain widely credited with revitalising the Leone Stars, has described his dismissal in a recent local media interview as “abrupt, unfair and unjustified,” and is weighing possible legal redress.

Analysts warn that any legal challenge could carry financial and administrative implications for the SLFA, including potential compensation claims and complications in attracting a new coach amid concerns over governance stability.

Prolonged disputes could also invite scrutiny under international football regulations, potentially affecting the federation’s credibility. The SLFA has not publicly responded to the possibility of legal action, but its swift move to advertise the position underscores an effort to maintain continuity on the pitch.

Applications for the post close on May 12, 2026, as Sierra Leone seeks a new technical leader while an unresolved dispute threatens to shape the team’s trajectory off the field.

Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone women remain static at 151 in the latest FIFA rankings

Sierra Leone’s senior women’s national team have remained unchanged at 151st place in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, retaining their 1,021.39 points from the previous update published in December 2025.

The West African side recorded no movement during the latest ranking cycle, which included 276 international matches worldwide.

Undoubtedly, Sierra Queens inactivity leaves them not only static globally but also positioned among the lowest-ranked teams within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), underlining limited participation in competitive fixtures.

At the top of the standings, Spain maintained first place despite a recent defeat, while England climbed to third following a victory over the leaders, moving ahead of Germany, which dropped to fourth.

The United States held second position, while Japan rose three places to fifth, marking the biggest gain within the top ten, while the Netherlands entered the top ten, displacing North Korea.

Outside the top tier, American Samoa registered the most significant rise, climbing 17 places to 120th after accumulating over 120 ranking points across recent fixtures.

The latest rankings also reflect structural shifts, with the British Virgin Islands dropping out after four years without international matches.

With qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 ongoing globally, Sierra Leone’s absence from competitive action continues to limit opportunities for ranking improvement.

According to FIFA, their next Women’s World Ranking will be published on 16 June 2026.

Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
Sierra Leone Women Among Africa’s Lowest in Latest FIFA Rankings
Sierra Leone's Daniel Kanu pleased with Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season award
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Daniel Kanu pleased with Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season award

Sierra Leone international Daniel Kanu has been awarded the EA Sports FC Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season title due to his impressive loan spell at Walsall.

The 21-year-old academy graduate expressed his joy after receiving the accolade, following a remarkable season with the Saddlers, where he netted 15 goals and added two assists across 38 league appearances.

After accepting his award, Kanu shared with Sky Sports, “This season has been a great learning journey for me. I’ve faced a variety of teams, each bringing their own set of challenges.

It’s been an incredible experience—sometimes you rise to the occasion, and other times you struggle, but that’s the essence of football. I’m really thankful to everyone at Walsall and to Charlton for giving me this opportunity to go out on loan.”

Sierra Leone Mourns Football Stalwart Joseph Samba Keifala
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone Mourns Football Stalwart Joseph Samba Keifala

The passing of Joseph Samba Keifala has triggered a wave of tributes across Sierra Leone, with the nation mourning a prominent figure whose legacy bridged football administration and public service.

The deceased was a former Mayor of the Kenema City Council and a key stakeholder in the country’s football landscape, whose death was announced on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after a brief illness, family sources confirmed.

A longtime advocate for grassroots football, the late man popularly known as “J.S. Keifala” was closely associated with Kamboi Eagles, where he played a central role in nurturing young talent and strengthening community participation.

Over the years, the influence of the former Kenema City Mayor and football administrator helped shape football development in eastern Sierra Leone.

During his tenure as mayor, Keifala championed youth empowerment and urban development, frequently promoting sport as a tool for unity and social progress.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) described his death as “a profound loss to the football family,” while Kamboi Eagles hailed him as a “father figure and pillar” instrumental to the club’s growth.

Since his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the sporting community, with many remembering him as a unifying force who used football to inspire and uplift communities nationwide.

Close associates of the deceased say his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Upsets, Big Wins in Sierra Leone FA Cup Last-16 as Quarter-Final Race Intensifies
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Upsets, Big Wins in Sierra Leone FA Cup Round of 16 as Quarterfinal Race Intensifies

The 2026 Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup moved into a decisive stage on Saturday, delivering a mix of commanding victories and dramatic upsets as the Round of 16 fixtures began to shape the quarter-final lineup.

Freetown-based outfit FC Kallon produced the most dominant display of the day, thrashing Ram Kamara FC of Bo 4–0 to secure a convincing passage into the last eight. In one of the competition’s biggest moments, Bo Rangers FC held their nerve to defeat Bhantal FC 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, a result that stunned many followers of the tournament.

Elsewhere, Star Sport Academy edged Bai Bureh Warriors 1–0, while Old Edwardians FC also progressed with a narrow 1–0 victory over Bullom Stars, as all four sides booked places in the quarter-finals.

The nationwide Round of 16 fixtures have drawn heightened attention, pitting established clubs against emerging challengers in a competition renowned for its unpredictability.

Attention now turns to the remaining ties, with East End Lions set to face Diamond Stars FC, while Mighty Blackpool and Kabala City take on Marampa Stars and Abacha City FC, respectively, on Sunday, April 19. Meanwhile, this year’s Orange Sierra Leone FA Cup final round of 16 fixture will see Ports Authority FC meet Freetown City FC on Monday, April 20.

The tournament, organised by the Sierra Leone Football Association and sponsored by leading telecommunications company, Orange Sierra Leone, remains vital to clubs as they hunt for domestic glory and continental qualification, while continuing to offer smaller clubs a platform to challenge elite opposition.

With quarter-final places nearly decided, the competition is gathering momentum, promising more drama and defining moments on the road to the final.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

FC Kallon scored four as they thrashed Ram Kamara FC in their Orange FA Cup round of 16
FC Kallon scored four as they thrashed Ram Kamara FC in their Orange FA Cup round of 16
Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stage Comeback to Reach World Cup Qualifier Second Round
by Alusine Rehme Wilson

Sierra Leone U-17 Girls Stage Comeback to Reach World Cup Qualifier Second Round

Sierra Leone’s U-17 girls delivered a dramatic late comeback to defeat hosts Cote D’Ivoire 2-1 in Yamoussoukro on Friday, April 17, 2026, sealing progression to the second round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers.

Played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, the decisive second leg followed a goalless draw between the two sides at the same venue five days earlier. Despite the hosts taking the lead in a tightly contested encounter, Sierra Leone responded with resilience.

Musu Sengeh levelled in the 82nd minute after reacting quickest to a rebound, before Mariena Magdaline Tua struck deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.

The latest victory sends Sierra Leone into the next round under head coach Fatmata “Taribo” Turay, where they will face Benin, who advanced 5-3 on aggregate against Burkina Faso.

The qualifiers form part of the pathway to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, with five African teams set to secure qualification.

By Alusine Rehme Wilson

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismaila Sarr wraps up Crystal Palace win over Fiorentina

Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was on target as Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final. This victory brings them closer to reaching a major European semi-final.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months from a penalty in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was fouled by Dodo. Seven minutes later, he helped set up Palace’s second goal, which Tyrick Mitchell scored after a saved shot. Ismaila Sarr secured the win with a header in the 90th minute.

Mateta, starting for the first time since a transfer to AC Milan fell through, expressed his happiness after the match. He thanked the fans and said he was eager to continue working hard.

In addition to his penalty, Mateta had another close chance that went wide. Fiorentina came back stronger in the second half, hitting the crossbar and forcing some saves. However, Sarr’s late header sealed the game.

With this win, Palace takes a three-goal lead into the second leg in Florence next week, where they will aim for a spot in the semi-finals against either Shakhtar Donetsk or AZ Alkmaar.