Black Queens should stop their training boycott because to unpaid bonuses, Andre Ayew says.
Andre Ayew, the former captain of the Black Stars, has urged the Black Queens to start practicing again after the players allegedly skipped sessions to protest unpaid incentives.
Recalling his own experiences with delayed compensation when playing for the national team, Ayew spoke to the team and expressed empathy for their predicament.
“I understand how you feel because I’ve experienced unpaid bonuses,” Ayew remarked. “Things will be finished, but sometimes they get delayed.”
Despite the financial losses, the former Al Sadd forward urged the players to remain professional and concentrate on their training.
“You’ve made the country proud, and your effort doesn’t go unnoticed. Keep going — the rewards will come,” he added.
The Black Queens’ protest over unpaid bonuses form the 2025 WAFCON tournament, which they finish third.
In the second leg of the 2026 WAFCON, the Black Queens will play Egypt. They won the first leg handily and now have a 3-0 aggregate lead.
Kurt Okraku, president of the GFA, says his goal is to win the World Cup.
Kurt Okraku, the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has stated that he hopes to lead Ghana to win the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Next summer, the four-time African winners will play in the USA, Canada, and Mexico at the 2026 World Cup.
In 2010, Ghana’s performance in the Mundial quarterfinals in South Africa was the best in the team’s history.
It would be a dream come true, according to Mr. Okraku, to lead Ghana to victory on football’s biggest platform when the tournament begins in June of next year.
“I want to win the World Cup. I want to win the World Cup. I’m going to tell the coach that I want to win the World Cup. That should be our vision,” he told 3Sports.
“Because you don’t go to war thinking about not finishing it or not coming out as victors,” he added.
The Black Stars will play international friendly matches against South Korea and Japan in Asia on November 14 and 18, respectively, as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Morocco’s U-20 team is honored by the crown prince in a royal ceremony following their FIFA World Cup victory.
On the orders of King Mohammed VI, Morocco’s U20 team was honored after winning the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The occasion, held in Rabat on Wednesday, was presided over by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.
Before taking a commemorative photo, the Crown Prince was welcomed by Mr. Mohamed Ouahbi, the coach of the national team, Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and the players of the national team.
The U-20 national team members were then honored with a tea ceremony.
It comes after the first-ever world title in Moroccan and Arab football history was won by the national under-20 squad, marking a historic accomplishment.
Morocco’s success is entirely consistent with King Mohammed VI’s progressive and forward-thinking vision, which has raised national sports training to the highest international levels, particularly through the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which is a veritable breeding ground for future Moroccan talent.
It also serves as a great source of pride for the country and brilliantly illustrates the virtues of hard labor, perseverance, and effort that lead to success and achievement.
Following the victory of the Atlas Cubs against the Argentine team in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, King Mohammed VI, sent a message of congratulations to the members of the national team, in which the he emphasized that the Moroccan team had honorably represented its country and its youth, as well as the African continent, with dignity and pride.
This Friday, the MTN Elite U-19 Championship begins at Ghanaman Center.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram will host the inaugural MTN Elite U-19 Championship, marking a major turning point in the country’s young football development program.
Prior to the official opening ceremony and the start of the matches, participating regional teams are anticipated to arrive at the Technical Centre on Thursday, October 23. The championship will end on Sunday, November 2, 2025, after 11 days of competition.
Ten Regional Football Association (RFA) U-19 teams will compete in this first-ever tournament, which will bring together some of the most talented young football players in the country.
The competition offers participants a priceless chance to display their abilities on a national stage while also celebrating up-and-coming talent, teamwork, and football brilliance.
Proudly sponsored by MTN Ghana, the Elite U-19 Championship represents a key pillar in the Football Association’s broader youth development framework, a vital component of the GFA’s “Power to the Youth” initiative. This programme seeks to create a structured pathway for young players to progress from grassroots football into professional ranks and national team setups.
With the support of MTN Ghana, the GFA, and dedicated technical and administrative teams, the MTN Elite U-19 Championship is poised to become a defining platform for the next generation of Ghanaian football stars, fostering development, exposure, and the discovery of future talent for both domestic and international competitions.
The Black Princesses get ready to defend their championship when Benin hosts the 2025 WAFU B U20 Girls Cup.
Benin has been formally recognized by the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B as the host country for the 2025 WAFU B U20 Girls Cup, which is set to take place from November 3–10, 2025.
Some of the most talented young female football players from all around West Africa will compete in the week-long event, which will serve as a platform to highlight the future stars of the region and encourage the sport’s further expansion.
Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Niger have confirmed their participation thus far, and more member countries are anticipated to complete their submissions in the days ahead.
As the reigning champions, the Black Princesses of Ghana will travel to Benin with the goal of reclaiming the championship they captured in the tournament’s first year in 2023.
After a fiercely contested final finished in a draw, the Princesses defeated longtime rivals Nigeria 3-1 on penalties in that first championship, which was held in Kumasi, Ghana. Ghana’s standing as one of the top teams in the area for women’s youth football was solidified with the win.
The WAFU B U20 Girls Cup has swiftly emerged as a key occasion for the advancement of women’s football in West Africa. For aspiring female athletes, it provides priceless global exposure and competitive experience, acting as a crucial springboard to senior national team prospects and professional careers.
Anticipation is growing for another thrilling display of talent, ability, and teamwork as the 2025 edition draws near—a celebration of the promising future of women’s football in the subregion.
Morocco has left their mark on the select group of FIFA U-20 World Cup winners, sixteen years after Ghana’s stunning victory.
The Atlas Lion Cubs won their first-ever world championship on Sunday at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium in Santiago, Chile, shocking six-time winners Argentina with a decisive 2-0 victory.
Yassir Zabiri, who scored both goals in a man-of-the-match performance, inspired Morocco to put on a brilliant effort that left the South Americans speechless.
The young Moroccans displayed the ideal balance of brave offensive football and defensive discipline under the tactical direction of Coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The tournament’s breakout player, Zabiri, finished as the Golden Boot winner with five goals and completed a historic victory with his brace.
Morocco has taken the world by storm just months after placing second in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which is a credit to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s (FRMF) effective youth development program.
Additionally, the North Africans won numerous significant individual honors, demonstrating their supremacy in Chile.
Othmane Maamane won the Golden Ball and was named Player of the Tournament.
As the second-best player, final hero Yassir Zabiri won the Silver Ball.
The Atlas Lion Cubs have made history with this momentous achievement, motivating a new generation of African football players and enhancing Morocco’s rising prominence internationally.
FIFA has made the decision to prohibit eight nations from competing in the World Cup.
Reports circulating in international football circles indicate that FIFA is willing to ban eight national teams from the upcoming World Cup for a variety of regulatory and compliance violations, according to a report by Osikani Tv.
Numerous sources assert that the football governing body has completed internal reviews that could result in broad sanctions, even if an official announcement has not yet been made.
The purported bans are said to be related to problems like unresolved financial disputes, governance failures, government meddling in football administration, and transgressions of FIFA’s standards of conduct.
FIFA has maintained a strict stance on political influence in national associations, financial transparency, and adherence to international statutes. Any breach of these standards can result in temporary or indefinite suspension.
In past instances, countries found to have governments meddling in the operations of their football associations have faced immediate sanctions.
Such bans typically bar the affected national teams from appearing in qualifiers, friendly matches under FIFA oversight, and major tournaments such as the World Cup.
If the recent reports prove accurate, the suspensions could disrupt qualifying campaigns and reshape the landscape of the competition.
While the names of the eight countries have not been officially confirmed, speculation across sports media has pointed to nations that have previously been warned or investigated.
Analysts emphasize that FIFA’s ethics committees and compliance units have expanded monitoring efforts over the last decade to maintain fairness and stability within global football.
FIFA regulations state that suspended associations lose all membership rights until their issues are addressed.
This includes funding restrictions, exclusion from development programs, and disqualification from all FIFA-recognized tournaments at both senior and youth levels.
Clubs from these nations may also be prohibited from taking part in continental competitions, further complicating the domestic impact.
The potential ban is already the subject of debate among football fans and experts.
Some argue that suspensions are necessary to uphold the integrity of the sport, while others believe that harsh punitive measures may punish players and supporters more than the administrators responsible for alleged violations.
If the sanctions move forward, national federations would need to meet specific conditions to regain eligibility.
This could involve changes in leadership, settlement of debts, structural reforms, or demonstrated independence from government influence.
Until FIFA releases a formal statement, participating nations and their supporters remain in uncertainty.
Any suspension will not only affect World Cup preparations but could also influence regional qualifiers, sponsorship deals, and long-term developmental plans.
For now, football communities around the world are closely monitoring FIFA’s next move, aware that the consequences could significantly alter the path to the global tournament.
Former AshantiGold goalkeeper Nibombe Wake passes away at 51
After a lengthy illness, Nibombe Wake, a former AshantiGold SC goalie and Togolese international, passed away at the age of 51. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the devastating news was confirmed, causing anguish throughout Ghana, where he left a lasting legacy during his football career, as well as Togo.
Wake is still regarded as one of the most renowned foreign players to have ever played in the Ghana Premier League, especially for his valiant efforts with AshantiGold in the late 1990s.
With his speed, consistency, and exceptional leadership both on and off the field, the Togolese goalkeeper immediately won over Obuasi supporters after joining the Miners at a period when the team was among Africa’s best.
He became one of the few goalkeepers in the history of the tournament to win the coveted Player of the Year title for his exceptional efforts during the 1997 Ghana Premier League season.
He was a key player in AshantiGold’s incredible journey to the CAF Champions League final that year, where they were defeated by Morocco’s Raja Casablanca by a slim margin.
Wake was more than simply a goalie to many people in Obuasi; he was a representation of professionalism, discipline, and devotion.
Social media has been used by AshantiGold supporters and former teammates to honor him, calling him “a legend who gave everything for the badge.”
In the 1990s, Wake gained 19 caps for the Togo national team (Sparrowhawks) on the international front.
Additionally, Jean-Paul Abalo Nibombe, the current national team coach, was his older brother.
Wake, a true AshantiGold star whose legacy inspires people all over the world, will always be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers to have ever graced the Ghana Premier League.
A revision of Otto Addo’s contract as Black Stars coach is hinted to by Sports Minister Kofi Adams.
According to Kofi Adams, Minister of Sports and Recreation, a number of variables would be taken into account while deciding Otto Addo’s future as head coach of the Black Stars.
The 49-year-old tactician recently led the four-time African champions to their fifth FIFA World Cup following a resounding 1–0 victory over Comoros in Accra. However, he was unable to qualify Ghana for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Even though the team qualified, Addo’s future is still up in the air due to continuous criticism of their patchy performances.
Mr. Adams stressed in an interview on Asempa FM that key football stakeholders will collaborate to decide Addo’s destiny, not simply his ministry.
“If you listen to Otto Addo on the team, he said he will try a lot of legs to know who will go or not, but I believe the management and everybody who is involved in hiring the coach will consider a lot of factors,” Adams remarked.
“I don’t make the decision alone, but I do pay him. The GFA has a role to play, whether or not it is related to this, and we will keep having these conversations.
Mr. Adams, who is also the Buem Constituency’s Member of Parliament, encouraged Ghanaians to support Addo, citing Ivory Coast’s victory in the AFCON earlier this year as motivation.
I don’t fear losing my coaching position with the Black Stars—Otto Addo
After helping Ghana earn a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Black Stars coach Otto Addo has stated that he is not concerned about the prospect of losing his position.
With Mohammed Kudus scored the lone goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium, the 49-year-old has led the senior national team to their fifth appearance at a global showcase.
Despite the qualification, the team’s patchy play has raised major concerns about Addo’s future.
However, the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach stated that his only goal is to make Ghanaians happy in an interview with the Ghana FA website prior to the match against Comoros.
“I have no control over what occurs subsequently. If we win, I hope a lot of people will be able to travel to America. This game must be won by us. Here’s what we’re examining. In response to a query about calls for his termination upon qualification, Addo said, “If Ghanaians are happy, then we are happy.”
After qualifying, Otto Addo led the Black Stars to the 2022 global showcase in Qatar, making him the first coach to take the side to a back-to-back World Cup.
Ghana will learn their 2026 World Cup group opponents on December 5.
