2024-12-22

Football

There We Land – How to take part as Victor Boniface celebrates Super Cup win with N2m giveaway

Nigeria’s Victor Boniface is celebrating his Super Cup win with Bayer Leverkusen in a big way with Nigerians.

Nigerian football sensation Victor Boniface is sharing his joy with fans back home after helping Bayer Leverkusen clinch the German Super Cup.

In a generous gesture, Boniface has announced a giveaway of 2 million naira (approximately $2,600 USD) to celebrate the victory.Bayer Leverkusen secured the Super Cup title with a win over Stuttgart after a 4-3 win via penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time, adding another feather to their cap and giving Boniface, one of the team’s key players, a reason to celebrate in grand style.

Taking to his Twitter account, Boniface shared the news of his giveaway in Nigerian Pidgin English, demonstrating his connection to his roots.

His tweet read: “If you no get stew money as today na Sunday I give small 2m giveaway ……make una meet channel 11 @_AsiwajuLerry”

Translated, the message essentially says: “If you don’t have money for food today, being Sunday, I’m doing a small 2 million naira giveaway. Please contact @_AsiwajuLerry.”

his act of generosity has sparked excitement among Nigerian football fans, many of whom are celebrating not just Boniface’s success on the field but also his willingness to give back to his community.

The Super Eagles forward, 23, played a key role as he opened the scoring at the BayArena to get off the mark for the season before Xabi Alonso took him off after 41 minutes after Leverkusen were reduced to 10 men.

Boniface’s gesture highlights the ongoing connection between the talented player and his fans who fondly refer to him as ‘banger boy’. It also showcases how social media platforms are being used by athletes to directly engage with and support their fans.

As Bayer Leverkusen basks in their Super Cup glory, Boniface’s celebration extends beyond the pitch, touching the lives of his supporters back in Nigeria.

Jota and Salah score as Liverpool beat Ipswich

Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah scored the goals as Arne Slot’s reign as Liverpool head coach began with a hard-fought victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town at a boisterous Portman Road.

Portuguese forward Jota finished off a flowing Liverpool move involving Salah and the impressive Trent Alexander-Arnold shortly after the hour mark, side-footing the Egyptian’s low cross past Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton.

And it was 2-0 just five minutes later, Salah scoring from Dominik Szoboszlai’s pass for his ninth opening-day goal – a Premier League record.

Playing their first top-flight game in 22 years, Ipswich were more than a match for Slot’s team in the first half and went closest to opening the scoring before half-time, first through Jacob Greaves’ downward header and then Omar Hutchinson’s low drive.

But Liverpool were much improved after the restart and should have taken the lead when Jota nodded Alexander-Arnold’s inch-perfect cross narrowly wide of the far post early in the second half.

The 27-year-old made amends for that miss moments later, before Salah put the seal on a narrow win and condemned Ipswich to their first home defeat in nearly 12 months.

Late Semenyo strike earns Bournemouth draw against Forest

Antoine Semenyo’s late goal snatched a point for Bournemouth as they came from behind to hold Nottingham Forest on the opening day.

Chris Wood swept home the Forest opener in the 23rd minute after Cherries goalkeeper Neto parried a Ryan Yates shot to his feet.

It followed a broken ankle to their Brazilian midfielder Danilo, who was taken off on a stretcher after a clash with Semenyo.

Bournemouth – who had a goal disallowed in the first half – were much improved in the second half and levelled as Semenyo bundled home from close range when Forest failed to properly clear a cross.

The Black Stars forward pounced after Forest defender Harry Toffolo’s clearance struck team-mate Murillo and fell invitingly for the him.

Forest had controlled the first half and almost doubled their lead when defender Willy Boly sent a powerful header goalwards from a Callum Hudson-Odoi corner, but Neto flung himself to the left for an important save.

Without last season’s star striker Dominic Solanke, who joined Tottenham for £65m, Semenyo hopes to continuing scoring after opening his account for the season.

2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Dates for Ghana versus Angola and Niger clash announced

The dates for Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and venues against Angola and Niger have been confirmed. 

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium will host Ghana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola in September.

The Black Stars will host the Sable Antelopes on Thursday, September 5, 2024, before traveling to Niger for their second Group F game on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Otto Addo’s men are unbeaten in their last two competitive games following impressive wins over Mali and Central African Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The game against Angola is scheduled for 16:00Hrs Kick Off at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Ghana are in Group F alongside Sudan, Angola and Niger.

The top two teams from the group will qualify for the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.

Otto Addo’s men are in search of a ticket to the biggest football tournament on African soil having previously won the title in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982.

Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum prepares for tough season

Asante Kotoko head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, has issued a rallying cry to his players ahead of the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.

The experienced coach has emphasised the need for the team to be prepared for any challenge, regardless of the opponent or location.

Kotoko have bolstered their squad with 12 new signings as they aim to improve on last season’s sixth-place finish.

With the league set to kick off on September 6, the Porcupine Warriors will begin their campaign with an away match against Karela United.

Dr Ogum has stressed the importance of a strong start, particularly against a tough opponent like Karela.

“We have to be ready to play any of these teams at any time, anywhere, we should be able to play them and get the results,” he told the club’s media.

Before the league commences, Kotoko will have a friendly match against Medeama SC to officially open the newly built TNA Stadium in Tarkwa on August 16.

As the club gears up for the new season, the coach’s focus is on ensuring his team is ready to compete at the highest level.

Ghana defender Alexander Djiku confident over victory over Lille in UCL qualifiers

Ghana defender Alexander Djiku believes Fenerbahce’s dream of reaching the group stage of the UEFA Champions League under Jose Mourinho remains on course. 

The Turkish giants travel to France for the third round of qualifiers against LOSC Lille with hopes of progressing to the next stage.

“Last year, we thought we could face Lille in the Conference League semi-finals, but we were eliminated by Olympiacos on penalties in the quarter-finals (Lille were also eliminated by Aston Villa). It could have happened earlier,” Djiku told L’Equipe.

Lille could have Canadian striker Jonathan David back for the tie following his participation in the Copa America.

However, Djiku is unbothered by the presence of Lille’s keyman.

“Jonathan David is a very talented player and a great mover on the pitch. He is also very effective in deep runs. Lille with Jonathan David and Lille without him are two different teams. However, we did not have a special preference for the opponent, whether it was Lille or another team. The road will be difficult but we are confident,” he added.

Derek Boateng says Spain’s interest hindered Nico Williams from representing Ghana

Former Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng has criticised the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for missing out on key European-born talents, claiming that Spain’s intervention blocked the Black Stars from securing players like Nico Williams.

In an interview with Accra-based Kingdom FM, Boateng expressed frustration over Ghana’s inability to attract players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams. He lamented that the GFA should have acted sooner to court these talents.

“How can we lose players like Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams?” Boateng asked, “Inaki Williams is playing for us, but why couldn’t we get Nico? Because he is good and talented, Spain blocked his chances of playing for Ghana.”

Boateng emphasised the importance of being proactive in engaging with Europe-based players early on. He warned that waiting until they are established players could be too late, as their parents might not be open to switching allegiance if Ghana was not involved from the start.

The 41-year-old, who had a distinguished international career with Ghana from 2001 to 2013, including a notable role in the Black Satellites’ runner-up finish at the 2001 U-20 FIFA World Cup, called for a more strategic approach in nurturing young talents.

Nico Williams, who has impressed with his performances for Spain, played a significant role in La Roja’s triumph in the 2024 European Championships. His success highlights the missed opportunities for Ghana to benefit from such emerging stars.

Chelsea hand trial opportunity to Ghana youth star Fatawu Ganiwu

Ghana youth midfielder Fatawu Ganiwu is making waves at Chelsea FC after an impressive performance for the club’s U18 side.

The technical team has taken notice of his skills and has invited him to train and play for the U21 team, a significant step up in his development.

Ganiwu, who has been on trial at several European clubs including RC Lens and RB Salzburg since last year, was part of Laryea Kingston’s team that participated in the UEFA U16 invitational tournament last year.

His current stint at Chelsea is his latest opportunity to showcase his talent, and it seems he is making the most of it.

Ganiwu’s progression to the U21 team is a testament to his hard work and potential.

Chelsea’s interest in Ganiwu is a positive sign for Ghanaian football, as the country continues to produce talented young players who are catching the attention of top European clubs.

The youngster will be hoping to earn maximum trust from the technical team and hopefully ern a place as he continues his development as a promising footballer.

Joseph Aidoo overwhelmed by teammates’ support on return after nine-month injury layoff

Black Stars defender Joseph Aidoo was visibly touched by the heartfelt support from his Celta Vigo teammates upon making his return to football after a nine-month injury layoff.
The 28-year-old made a notable comeback during Celta Vigo’s 1-0 victory over Portuguese side Gil Vicente in a preseason match.
Aidoo, who entered the game in the 74th minute as a substitute for Carl Starfelt, played 16 minutes, marking his first appearance since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon early in the 2023-2024 season.
Following his return, Aidoo was greeted with warm embraces and congratulatory gestures from his teammates. Overwhelmed by the support, he was seen wiping away tears as he absorbed the moment, receiving applause from fans as he walked off the pitch.
Aidoo’s injury had kept him sidelined for a significant portion of the previous season, where he missed the majority of Celta Vigo’s matches. Before his injury, Aidoo was a crucial player for the team, having featured in 32 and 35 La Liga games in consecutive seasons.
The defender was also part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, highlighting his importance to both his club and national team. Aidoo’s return significantly boosts Celta Vigo as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Mohammed Kudus on target in West Ham’s pre-season loss

Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus found the net for West Ham United in their 3-1 defeat to Wolves in a pre-season friendly.

The 23-year-old scored his first goal of the pre-season campaign, giving West Ham a brief equaliser before Wolves secured the victory with two second-half goals. Kudus played 63 minutes of the match.

The game, played in front of nearly 68,000 fans in Florida, provided valuable match practice for both teams ahead of the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Kudus insists he is battle-ready for the upcoming season in the English Premier League after magnificently announcing himself with excellent performances in his maiden campaign.

Kudus was outstanding for the Hammers last season, ending the season as Europe’s best dribbler. He also scored 14 goals.

His efforts have attracted interest from various clubs with Saudi giants Al Ittihad and Liverpool the sides heavily linked to the player.

However, Kudus is focused on his time with West Ham as preparations for the new season continue in the United States.

According to the 23-year-old, he is aware of the expectations and he is ready to give his best in the upcoming campaign.

“Definitely, the preparations has been smooth so far. We have a couple of games to get to the level we want to get to. Looking forward to tomorrow’s game but same thing like last season. Last season was good, first season to announce myself,” he told West Ham TV.

“I think now the expectation is even higher. The opponents are going to come stronger but so am I.

“So, just double my effort and the do my best to help the team finish in the best position as possible.”

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