Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder, Boubakar Dembaga, expressed his delight after joining AS Monaco from Paris FC.
by FSL News

AS Monaco move excites Malian Boubakar Dembaga

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder, Boubakar Dembaga, expressed his delight after joining AS Monaco from Paris FC.

Originally from Aulnay-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis), Boubakar Dembaga, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday on June 7, has joined AS Monaco from Paris FC, where he trained.

Dembaga played with the Ile-de-France club in the U17 and U19 categories after starting his career at CSL Aulnay and then at Espérance Aulnaysienne, alongside playing futsal.

The youngster is thrilled to sign his first professional contract with AS Monaco. He sees this as an important step and is eager to start this new adventure.

He looks forward to continuing to progress and reach his best level. Boubakar Dembaga had a successful 2023-2024 season with Paris FC, playing more than twenty matches as a starter and scoring 5 goals. He will play with Djimi Traoré’s Elite Group at AS Monaco.

Equatorial Guinea'S Dacosta Gonzalez pens long-term deal with AFC Bournemouth
by FSL News

Equatorial Guinea’s Dacosta Gonzalez pens long-term deal

Michael Dacosta Gonzalez has signed a new long-term contract with AFC Bournemouth, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2026/27 season.

The forward, eligible to represent Spain, Ecuador, and Equatorial Guinea, expressed his excitement and commitment to the club, emphasizing his gratitude towards his family for their support.

Dacosta Gonzalez, whose younger brother Malcolm recently signed a two-year scholarship with the Cherries, said on afcb.co.uk: “It’s an honour and a privilege to sign a contract at this club. I’ve been here since I was 11 and the club is on the rise.

I’m pleased and, hopefully, I can go all the way. I’m happy for myself, but I’m mostly happy for my mom because I couldn’t have done it without her. Me, my mom, and everyone are really happy.

I’m extremely excited and I’ve got a lot of emotions running through me because I really want to do well for this club.”

Gambian international Sheriff Sinyan is leaving Slavia a year later as both parties mutually agreed not to activate the further year option.
by FSL News

Gambian international ​Sheriff Sinyan departs Slavia Prague

Gambian international Sheriff Sinyan is leaving Slavia a year later as both parties mutually agreed not to activate the further year option.

One contributing factor to this decision is Sinyan’s requirement for enhanced playing time following his injury, which Slavia cannot assure.

Sinyan,27, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I wish to extend my thanks to my teammates, the coaching staff, the management, and all those who supported and cared for me during my injury. The shared moments will be cherished, and I extend my best wishes to Slavia for the future.”

Upon arriving as a free agent in July 2023, Sinyan signed a one-year deal with a two-year option and underwent medical treatment and rehabilitation. Hailing from Oslo and representing Gambia, Sinyan made his A-team debut on October 29th against Bohemians.

He also played in the MOL Cup in Hradec Králové and sustained a muscle injury during the January training camp in the Algarve while playing against Sönderjyske and AIK Stockholm.

Nigeria's forward Muhamed Tijani Joins Plymouth Argyle 
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria’s forward Muhamed Tijani Joins Plymouth Argyle 

English Championship side Plymouth Argyle has signed Muhamed Tijani on loan from Slavia Prague. The deal is subject to EFL approval and international clearance.

The Nigerian forward, 23, scored 13 goals in 33 games for Taborsko in the 2021/22 season. He also played in the Europa League for Slavia Prague, scoring two goals.

At the international level, Tijani was part of the Nigeria under-20 squad that competed in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He played his first international match on 24 May 2019 against the Qatar under-20 side. He scored his first international goal on 30 May through a penalty kick against the Ukraine under-20 team.

Argyle’s Head Coach, Wayne Rooney, is excited about Tijani joining the team and is looking forward to working with him.

Argyle can buy the player at the end of his loan spell. Tijani, from Nigeria, moved to the Czech Republic at 18 to join Banik Ostrava’s youth system.

In the summer of 2023, he moved to Slavia Prague for approximately £1m and played 19 times, scoring four goals. Two goals came in the UEFA Europa League, including a last-ditch winner away to FC Sheriff.

Wayne Rooney, Head Coach of Argyle, said, “Muhamed’s arrival enhances our forward line with his size, athleticism, and scoring ability. He’s experienced in the Europa League and is eager to improve.”

Neil Dewsnip, Director of Football, added, “We’re thrilled to have Muhamed on board. He brings a different profile to our forward line and has immense growth potential. We’re excited to have him on board before pre-season begins.”

Al-Merrikh unveil Nigerian keeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Al-Merrikh unveil Nigerian keeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo

Al-Merrikh SC has unveiled their new signing, Nigerian goalkeeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo, who previously played for Enyimba FC.

The club made the announcement on its official Facebook page, but no terms of the contract were mentioned.

Ojo began his senior career with Giwa FC in 2013 and later moved to Kano Pillars in 2014.

In 2021, he joined Enyimba and eventually became the team captain in 2023. Ojo has represented Nigeria at various levels and was part of the Nigeria U20s team that won the 2015 African U-20 Championship.

He received his first call-up to the senior Nigeria national team in 2022 and was included in the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, making him the only player selected from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

FC Basel has extended the contract of Adriano Onyegbule, a German-Nigerian attacking midfielder, until the end of the 2026-2027 season.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Adriano Onyegbule extends FC Basel contract

FC Basel has extended the contract of Adriano Onyegbule, a German-Nigerian attacking midfielder, until the end of the 2026-2027 season.

Onyegbule, 18, joined Basel in 2022 and made his senior debut in May 2023. He has been promoted to Basel’s first team for the upcoming season.

Onyegbule has represented Germany’s youth teams in six matches and remains eligible to play for the Flying Eagles.

The midfielder moved from RB Leipzig’s youth department to Rotblau around two years ago and, has so far, made four competitive appearances for the first team.

Most recently, the German-Nigerian dual citizen has mainly played in the U21s, where he has made 39 appearances (3 goals).

Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh joins Brighton from Newcastle
by FSL News

Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh joins Brighton from Newcastle

Brighton has made an exciting acquisition by signing Yankuba Minteh, a talented winger from Gambia, from Newcastle United for a whopping £30m. He has been signed on a contract until June 2029.

“Now, we will give him the time and support he needs to ensure that he settles in,“ Brighton noted on their website.

Yankuba made the move from Gambia to Europe in 2022, when he joined Danish side Odense BK. Brighton’s technical director, David Weir, expressed his delight in welcoming the young talent to the club.

Minteh has three goals in seven appearances for Gambia. Newcastle extended its best wishes to Yankuba for the future.

Minteh received his first call-up to the Gambia national team on November 4, 2022, and scored his first international goal in a match against Congo.

He also played in the 2023 AFCON and scored his second and third international goals in matches against Seychelles and Gabon, respectively.

Chelsea has confirmed that Morocco International Hakim Ziyech has completed a permanent transfer to Galatasaray.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech completes Galatasaray’s permanent move

Chelsea has confirmed that Morocco International Hakim Ziyech has completed a permanent transfer to Galatasaray.

Ziyech initially joined the Turkish team on loan last summer but has now left Chelsea permanently.

The winger, 31, spent last season on loan with the Turkish team after a temporary deal with an obligation to make the move permanent was agreed.

The Morocco international made 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring eight goals and assisting another four.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, he scored 14 goals and achieved success in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

“We appreciate Hakim’s contributions during his time at Chelsea and wish him the best in the next phase of his career,” Chelsea noted.

FC Augsburg has fortified its attacking lineup with a new acquisition of Congolese international Samuel Essende.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese International Samuel Essende joins FC Augsburg

FC Augsburg has fortified its attacking lineup with a new acquisition of Congolese international Samuel Essende.

The 26-year-old forward, previously with Portuguese first-division relegated team FC Vizela, has signed a contract with FCA until June 30, 2028. The specific details of the transfer remain undisclosed.

Born in Montfermeil, France, Essende received his training at the Paris Saint-Germain academy and demonstrated his prowess by scoring 15 goals in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season.

Standing at an impressive height of 1.92 meters, the striker has previously represented French clubs SM Caen and Pau FC, as well as Belgian first-division club KAS Eupen.

Essende made his national team debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo in early June during the World Cup qualifier in Senegal.

The striker is excited to join FC Augsburg and compete in the Bundesliga. FCA’s sports director, Marinko Jurendic, praised Samuel as a skilled striker and extended a warm welcome, wishing him success at FCA.

Samuel Essende is excited to join FC Augsburg and compete in the Bundesliga. FCA’s sports director, Marinko Jurendic, praised Samuel as a skilled striker and extended a warm welcome, wishing him success at FCA.

Guinea's Serhou Guirassy is on the verge to join Borussia Dortmund
by FSL News

Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy on the verge of joining Borussia Dortmund

Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, the 28-year-old striker for the national team, has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund.

After being considered by several top clubs, including AC Milan, he has decided to join the German side.

Recent reports have revealed that there is now a complete agreement between Guirassy and Borussia Dortmund.

The club is focused on activating Guirassy’s release clause, which stands at €17.5 million.

Guirassy’s impending transfer to Signal Iduna Park comes after an impressive season in the Bundesliga, where he was the second-highest scorer with 28 goals in just 30 appearances across all competitions this season.

The deal, once finalized, will see Guirassy bolstering Borussia Dortmund’s attacking lineup.

Guirassy, a former youth international for France, chose to play for the Republic of Guinea at senior level.

He debuted for Guinea in a 0–0 friendly against South Africa on March 25, 2022, in Kortrijk, Belgium, and was later named in the Guinean squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.