Tag Archives: World Cup

Nigeria, Sports

Jay-Jay Okocha Expresses Doubts Over Africa’s World Cup Chances, Raises Concerns for Ghana

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Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha has voiced rare concern about Africa’s prospects at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, admitting that for the first time he is not confident the continent can compete strongly on the global stage.


Jay-Jay Okocha speaks on Africa’s World Cup chances and Ghana’s prospects

Africa Losing Ground Globally

Speaking candidly, Okocha warned that Africa appears to be falling further behind traditional powerhouses Europe and South America, while also losing ground to Asia and North America. According to him, those regions now look stronger and better organised, a development he described as bad news for African football.

Hope Rests on Senegal and Morocco

Despite his concerns, the former Super Eagles captain identified Senegal and Morocco as Africa’s most reliable hopes at the tournament, praising their structure, recent performances, and tactical discipline. He suggested that those two nations appear best equipped to compete beyond the group stages.

Ghana and Tunisia Face Tough Reality

Okocha also mentioned Ghana and Tunisia, stating that while they have the potential to act as stepping stones toward the knockout rounds, their current form raises serious concerns. He warned that without significant improvement, both sides risk early elimination after the group stage.

A Challenge for African Football Leaders

The comments have sparked fresh debate across the continent, with fans and analysts questioning whether African football is stagnating due to poor administration, limited investment, and inconsistent player development. Okocha expressed hope that teams like Ghana can prove him wrong and rise to the occasion.

For more World Cup reactions, Black Stars updates, and African football analysis, visit GhanaMedia.net.

Africa, Celebrity, Football

N’Golo Kanté: From Trash Collector to World Football Star Inspired by a King of Mali

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France and Al-Ittihad midfielder N’Golo Kanté has shared a powerful story behind his name and humble beginnings, revealing that his parents named him after a former king of Mali who “started from the bottom,” a reflection that mirrors his own journey to global football stardom.

The Meaning Behind the Name N’Golo

Speaking in an interview, Kanté explained that his name comes from a historic Malian ruler who rose from modest origins to greatness, a legacy rooted in West African history and often referenced in discussions about the Mali Empire and its legendary leaders.

Life Before Football Fame

Before becoming a World Cup winner, Kanté revealed that he once worked as a trash collector, a job he says deserves respect and recognition, highlighting the dignity of labour at a time when footballers are often viewed only through the lens of fame and wealth, a theme frequently explored in human-interest profiles by FIFA.


N’Golo Kanté: inspired by a king, risen from the bottom

From the Bottom to the World Stage

“Today, I play football and people see me on TV. My story is also beautiful because I started from the bottom,” Kanté said, a journey that saw him rise through French lower leagues before becoming a Champions League winner with Chelsea and a global icon, as documented by UEFA.

Why Kanté’s Story Resonates Worldwide

Beyond trophies, Kanté’s humility and work ethic have made him one of football’s most admired figures, with fans and analysts alike praising his character both on and off the pitch, a reputation that continues to follow him into his current chapter in Saudi Arabia, according to coverage by Sky Sports.

An African Story of Grit and Pride

For many Africans and people of African descent, Kanté’s story is a reminder that greatness can emerge from the humblest beginnings, echoing broader narratives of resilience and cultural pride often highlighted by platforms like Al Jazeera.

N’Golo Kanté’s journey—from collecting trash to lifting football’s biggest trophies—stands as a timeless testament to perseverance, humility, and the power of staying true to one’s roots.

N’Golo Kanté: From Trash Collector to World Football Star Inspired by a King of Mali 6
Africa, Music, Trending

Mohammed Kudus Welcomes England Showdown, Says Ghana Is Ready for the Challenge

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Ghanaian star midfielder Mohammed Kudus has expressed confidence and excitement following Ghana’s placement in the same World Cup group as England. Speaking boldly about the challenge ahead, Kudus emphasized that the Black Stars’ qualification alone is already a major achievement — and facing England presents an opportunity to make an even bigger global statement.

Mohammed Kudus Welcomes England Showdown, Says Ghana Is Ready for the Challenge 9

According to Kudus, just qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup sends a message about Ghana’s rising quality, discipline, and determination on the international stage. He noted that the team respects England’s strength but is fully aware of what is required to compete at the highest level.

“Just qualifying for the World Cup is already a big statement from us,” Kudus said. “And it’s good that we face England in the group. It will be an exciting match. I’m looking forward to it. We fully understand the team we’ll be up against and their quality, and we will be ready for it.”

The match between Ghana and England is already one of the most anticipated group-stage fixtures, especially considering the history, intensity, and excitement that always surrounds Ghana’s World Cup campaigns. Fans from both nations have reacted strongly online, with many calling it a “must-watch clash” and others predicting fireworks when the two teams meet in June.

Kudus, who continues to play a vital role for the Black Stars, believes the group offers Ghana a chance to prove itself against high-ranking nations. He stressed that Ghana’s mentality for the World Cup is built on courage, preparation, and unity — qualities that have defined the team’s biggest achievements in the past.

“We know what this means to Ghanaians back home and to Africans watching us,” he added. “We will prepare, stay focused, and give everything for the badge.”

As preparations continue, the match against England is expected to draw massive global attention, with analysts predicting tactical brilliance, emotional intensity, and standout performances from top players on both sides. For Ghana, the fixture represents more than just football — it is a moment to showcase belief, resilience, and national pride on the world stage.

Africa, Business, Ghana News, Sports, Trending

Government Allocates GHS 150 Million for Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup Campaign

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The Government of Ghana has announced an allocation of GHS 150 million to support the Black Stars’ preparation and participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The budgetary provision was revealed during the presentation of the 2026 National Budget, highlighting the administration’s commitment to strengthening the national team ahead of the global tournament.

Government Allocates GHS 150 Million for Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup Campaign 12

According to officials, the allocation covers key areas such as training camps, international friendlies, logistics, technical support, player welfare, and competitive preparatory programs. The Ministry of Youth and Sports emphasized that the investment is aimed at ensuring the Black Stars deliver an improved performance, following their group-stage exit in the 2022 World Cup.

The government believes that supporting the national team at this level is essential not only for sporting success but also for national pride, economic benefits, and international visibility. Stakeholders within the sports fraternity have expressed optimism, urging transparent use of the funds and early planning to avoid the last-minute challenges that have historically hampered Ghana’s World Cup campaigns.

As anticipation builds among fans, the Black Stars are expected to begin an intensified preparation program early next year, with the goal of securing a strong squad and competitive advantage ahead of the global tournament.

Nigeria, Sports

Nigeria Qualifies for Africa Playoffs Despite Group Stage Finish

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Nigeria has officially secured a spot in the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing among the best second-placed teams.

This comes after a convincing 4-0 win against Benin, while South Africa also sealed qualification with a 3-0 victory over Rwanda.

Nigeria Qualifies for Africa Playoffs Despite Group Stage Finish 15

The playoffs will take place in November in Morocco, where four second-placed African teams will compete for a single spot in the intercontinental playoff in March in Mexico.

Two North American teams and one team each from Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania will battle for the final two World Cup slots.

In the playoff structure, the four lowest-ranked teams will contest semi-finals, with the top two ranked teams advancing directly to the finals. Winners of the finals will qualify for the World Cup.

Nigeria is officially in the race for a place at the global showpiece.