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Ghana star Thomas Partey changes name to Yakubu after marrying a Muslim

Arsenal star midfielder Thomas Partey has changed his name to Yakubu following his recent marriage to Moroccan Sara Bella.The Ghana international converted to Islam prior to marrying Bella, who is a Muslim, the DailyMail reported.The midfielder will, however, continue to be known as Partey when he plays for Arsenal and Black Stars. He will also wear the name Thomas on the back of his shirt."I have a girl I love, I know my side chicks will leave me but it's no problem," he joked in an Instagram video posted by Ghanaian journalist Nana Aba Anamoah, as quoted by Pulse."I grew up with Muslims so at the end of the day it's the same thing. I'm already married and my Muslim name is Yakubu.Partey, who was raised as a Christian, become a Muslim in March this year because of Bella.A photo of him in London with a Sheikh went viral on social media, showing the pair holding the Quran, Islam's holy book.Partey played just 26 times for Arsenal in all competitions last season due to injury and suspension.A hamstring injury suffered in a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace on April 4 ended his season, and the Gunners missed out on finishing in the top four to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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WAFU B U-17 tournament: Nigeria to arrive in Ghana on Thursday

Nigeria's U-17 team will arrive in Ghana on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the WAFU Zone B U-17 tournament in Cape Coast.The two tournament finalists will be at the Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria early next year, from which all four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup finals in Peru.Nigeria, with five world titles, and three-time world champions and hosts Ghana will kick off the tournament on Saturday with a potentially explosive match at the Cape Coast Stadium.Coach Nduka Ugbade, who has been screening and training the lads at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja for several weeks, says his goal is to earn a ticket to Algeria.I am happy with the squad that we have been able to come up with, and I can say confidently that we are going to Ghana to do the nation proud. Our primary objective is to earn a ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations, and then we go full throttle for the trophy. Nigeria have a pedigree in U17 football and we cannot afford to disappoint, he said.Ugbade, who captained Nigeria to their first of five world titles at this level, has named 20 players for the campaign, which runs until June 24th, with five more on standby.The Golden Eaglets are in Group A of the competition, with a second match against Togo.Nigeria's squad for the tournamentGoalkeepers: Richard Odoh, Hameed Balogun, Pascal UzohoDefenders: Jeremiah Olaleke, Emmanuel Michael, Tochukwu Ogboji, Yahaya Lawal, Miracle OgworMidfielders: Basil Mbata, Ebube Okere, Tochukwu Ogbabido, Richard Uche, Ozor Okeke, Raphael OyebanjoForwards: Umar Abubakar, Kevwe Iyede, Light Eke, Abubakar Abdullahi, Jubril Azeez, Precious WilliamsStandby: Utibe Silas, Abdullahi Buhari, Abubakar Shaibu, Tijjani Mohammed, Stephen Emmanuel source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Nigeria defender Balogun insists they have moved on from World Cup failure

Nigeria defender Leon Balogun insists they have moved on from their failure to make the 2022 World Cup after a final qualifying round defeat to Ghana.Black Stars will be in Qatar after defeating Nigeria in the March playoffs thanks to the away goals rule.The team will look to put that behind them when they face the Sierra Leone Stars on Thursday and focus on their quest for a place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.Balogun stated that they are planning for the future, with the primary goal of competing in Ivory Coast next year. Thats behind us now. I played for my club (Rangers) four days after the game against Ghana, so its football. It goes on. There is no time to feel sorry for yourself, the centre-back told reporters.Obviously it hurts, but you have to move on. Like they say, time heals old wound. You have to move on because the next match is always around the corner. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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2022 World Cup: Nigeria were confident against Ghana, defender Ola Aina recalls playoff heartbreak

Nigeria defender Olaoluwa Aina has claimed that they had Ghana on the ropes in the second leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff tie and could have easily won the game in the first half.As he reflected on the fateful day when the Super Eagles tripped at the finish line against their archrivals, Aina said they were confident of victory and qualifying to Qatar. After the first leg ended 0-0 in Kumasi, Nigeria needed to win in Abuja, while Ghana needed a score draw. The Black Stars prevailed thanks to a 1-1 draw.We went into the game in Abuja very confident; I certainly did, and I feel like we was on the front foot from the first whistle, Aina said. Despite Nigeria's early dominance, captain Thomas Partey scored Ghana's first goal in the 10th minute.Nigeria responded in the 26th minute through William Troost-Ekong who converted from the spot after a review revealed Ademola Lookman had been tripped in the box.With the score level at 1-1, Nigeria squandered several opportunities that would eventually see Ghana advance.You see Victors (Osimhen) goal was disallowed, but we had many opportunities in the first half to maybe even put the game to sleep very early, Aina continued.But it wasnt to happen, it wasnt to be and these things happen in football. The tie, over two legs ended 1-1 on aggregate but the Black Stars punched their ticket to Qatar on away goals rule. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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2021/22 Ghana Premier League week 30: Match Report – Eleven Wonders 2-1 Hearts of Oak

Eleven Wonders have climbed out of the relegation zone thanks to a late win over Hearts of Oak on Wednesday at the Ohene Ameyaw Park in Techiman.Moro Sumaila scored in the 96th minute to give Wonders three points and boost their survival chances in front of their fans.The game, which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, was postponed due to a swine-flu outbreak in the Hearts of Oak camp.Hearts of Oak had the better start of the two teams, scoring in the 12th minute through Kojo Obeng Junior.Wonders tied the game 1-1 before halftime thanks to Mohamed Nortey Tetteh's goal.Wonders pushed for the winner after the break and were rewarded in extra time when Sumaila scored to send the fans into a frenzy.With two games remaining, Wonders are now in 15th place, two points ahead of Real Tamale United who have dropped to the relegation zone. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Turkish champions Trabzonspor make offer for Jerome Boateng

Turkish champions Trabzonspor have contacted Jerome Boateng in order to strengthen their squad for next season.Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avci wants to bring in the experienced defender Jerome Boateng, who moved to Lyon last year after a 10-year stay at Bayern Munich.Avci believes the World Cup winner will be effective in the matches Trabzonspor will play in the 2022-23 Champions League. Trabzonspor has offered to pay Lyon the player's half salary, and are waiting for an answer.It has been learned that the French team, which will go to revision in the squad, will make its decision this week. Abdullah Avc said, "We can buy it if economic conditions occur." he said.Trabzonspor has offered to pay Lyon the player's half salary, is waiting for an answer.Boateng, 33, who won the Champions League twice and played for giants such as Bayern and Manchester City. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Ghanaian defender Anton Donkor joins German club Eintracht Braunschweig

Ghanaian defender Anton Donkor has joined new Bundesliga II side Eintracht Braunschweig ahead of the new season.Donkor, born in Germany, has signed a three-year deal. Hejoins the Die Lwen on a free transfer after his contract with Third Division side SV Waldhof Mannheim expired at the end of last season.Right after signing the contract, the ex-VfL Wolfsburg youth player expressed his excitement about the move, saying he is looking forward to meeting his new teammates. "I'm happy about the chance to prove myself in the 2nd Bundesliga. I come from the region and the talks I had with Eintracht were very good right from the start. I'm looking forward to my new teammates and to getting to know the club and to really get to know the fans," Donkor told the club's official website.Sporting director Peter Vollmann spoke highly of the left-wing back given his impressive outings with the Carl-Benz-Stadion outfit during the 2021-22 campaign."We are happy that Anton is joining us because he was one of the top full-backs in the 3rd division and at the age of 24 he played both on the defensive and in the game the offensive side as enough potential to quickly assert itself in the 2nd Bundesliga."He made 3 assists in 33 league game appearances for Mannheim in the 2021-22 campaign. The Gottingen-born stopper is still eligible to play for Ghana at the international stage despite featuring for the Germany U18 & U20 youth teams. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Benjamin Afutu: Former Hearts of Oak midfielder's contract terminated by Egyptian club Eastern Company SC

Egyptian club Eastern Company SC has terminated Benjamin Afutu's contract due to underwhelming performances, according to reports.Afutu joined Eastern Company in September 2021 after helping Hearts of Oak win the Ghana Premier League and MTN FA Cup, but has found life difficult in the north African country.He joined them on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract. Afutu has struggled for playing time, appearing in only eight games totalling 426 minutes for the club in the ongoing Egypt Premier League season.The explosive midfielder was instrumental in Hearts of Oaks double success last season. He played 29 games and scored five goals.Hearts of Oak were keen to keep Afutu but could not meet his demands, allowing the player to leave on a free transfer. He spent three years at Hearts of Oak, having joined them from Karela United in 2018. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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We haven’t made money from sponsorship deal with Ibrahim Mahama’s company – RTU PRO

Sey Mubarick, Public Relations Officer for Real Tamale United, has revealed that the club has not received any money from the Engineers and Planners sponsorship.The company owned by Ghanaian business mogul Ibrahim Mahama has its name embossed on the front of Real Tamale United's jerseys.The Blue and Whites' financial situation has hampered their performance in the Ghana Premier League.The Northern giants are in danger of being relegated as they sit just a point above the relegation zone with two matches to go.The fact is that these issues came up before management was constituted. The big men up there had agreed to bring him (Ibrahim Mahama) on board and agreed that his company will sponsor the club. Initially, it was Dzata Cement but I dont know what changed for it to be Engineers and Planners. He said.Before the start of the season, we all knew Ibrahim Mahama was coming on board because we had his companys name on our jersey and the jerseys were printed. But as we speak now, we do not even have any single document to show that Engineers and Planners have pumped any money for the running of the club. We dont have a copy of that agreement. The CEO drew a budget of GHc 2 million for the whole season but we have not received a penny in our account. We need to fall on others to help us, he added.RTU returned to the Premier League after over a decade absence. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Asamoah Gyan avails himself to help former club Liberty Professionals

Asamoah Gyan has stated that he is willing to assist his former club Liberty Professionals in any way possible.The Scientific Soccer Lads must win their final game and hope that Kotoku Royals drop points in order to return to the Ghana Premier League.And the former Ghana captain, who had a brief stint with Liberty before heading to Europe, has made himself available to serve the club again. Kudos to them, they have done an incredible job, they were relegated and they learnt their mistakes which is very very good.They have shown class, they have shown their ability to become one of the best teams Ghana has ever produced.Because they have produced most of the great players in Ghana football, the Michael Essien's, myself, Sulley Muntari, my brother [Baffour Gyan], theyve produced a lot of great players.So being relegated and coming back to the premier league is a huge achievement for the club and kudos to them, Asamoah Gyan told Adamu Muftawu of Radio Gold Sports.Gyan says he is ready to help the club with the experience garnered from his professional sojourn.Definitely I will use my experience you know, Ive been there before and right now Im a Ghanaian and of course, Im a patriot citizen and Im here to help.We are all Ghanaians and we are here to help each other so anytime they need my services why not, I can use my experience to help the young ones and make sure that everything goes well, Gyan added. Gyan, 36, is a free agent source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Local players must prove they deserve to play for Black Stars – Richmond Boakye-Yiadom

[caption id="attachment_1023120" align="alignnone" width="720"] Richmond Boakye[/caption]Ghana striker Richmond Boakye-Yiadom believes that home-based players must work twice as hard as their European counterparts to be considered good enough to play for Black Stars.Local players have had few opportunities to make an impact on the Black Stars team for a long time, displeasing some Ghanaians.Augustine Okrah, Daniel Afriyie Barnie, and Dennis Korsah were the only home-based players called up for the Black Stars' 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and the Central African Republic, but none played.The local players have great talent. I was also a local player before I moved outside [Europe]. [If you are called up a local player] you have to have a why?. You need to ask, why am I being called? Why am I part of the team now? So if you have a why it makes you one of the best, if you dont, you feel like they called me and Im lucky. You come back and you are like, they called me to the Black Stars and you are just saying it, he said.If you have the why and you go there [to the Black Stars camp], you greet the senior players, its okay but on the pitch, you make them aware you are not here to make friends, you are not there as a local player but you are here as a Black Stars player. You put the local player behind you because when you wear the jersey you are not a local player. Even though you play in the local league, but if you wear the jersey you are a Black Stars player.If I am a local player and I come to the national team, I am coming to take what youve been enjoying in Europe. There has to be a competition. If the competition does not exceed the European player, you have a problem because the European player is coming with something that he is ahead of you in terms of equipment, exercise, sprinting level, and experience level, where the fans are full in the stadium with the confidence level, he continued.When you go there, what do you show the coach that I am a local player but when you give me the opportunity I will swallow three or four players here. There has to be this mentality that why are playing and why are you in the national team. You are there because they picked you to be one of the best. You need to increase the level of your running and everything.As a coach, if I see a local player and a foreign-based player, you [as the local player] would need to prove yourself to me you are two times that him for me to put you there [in the team]. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Adebayor had a huge influence on my career- Ghana defender Joseph Attamah Lawreh

Ghana defender Joseph Larweh Attamah has commended former teammate Emmanuel Adebayor for playing a huge role in his career whilst playing for Turkish side Basaksehir.The 28-year-old played three seasons for Basaksehir before leaving the club to join Rizespor in the 2019/20 season.The Black Stars defender revealed Adebayor had a huge influence on his career whilst playing with the former Arsenal and Manchester City forward.Sharing his time with Adebayor at the Turkish club, he said, Adebayor pushed me to the limit. He made an impact in my career. When he joined the team he pushed me to my limit, like after training we have to stay and work at the pitch or the gym.On the pitch he talks and advises me. What really helped me is Clichy had joined the team and the two of them trained together. So I always joined them after the training sessions. I really learned a lot from them. We speak always.Adebayor always trains and I dont believe in that assertion that big players turn to lead young players astray.The former Tema Youth player currently plays for Kayserispor in the Turkish League.He made 30 appearances and scored two goals in the just-endedd season. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Ghanaian striker Nicky Gyimah-Bio released by Sunderland after less than a year

[caption id="attachment_1032250" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Nicky Gyimah-Bio[/caption]Young Ghanaian striker Nicky Gyimah-Bio has been released by Sunderland after less than a year at the club. Following a successful trial period, the 18-year-old was given a one-year contract in September 2021.However, he struggled to make an impression during the club's promotion to English League One in the 2021-22 season.The 19-year-old did not make a senior appearance and played just 10 matches in the youth league.Gyimah's contract included a one-year extension option, but Sunderland chose not to exercise it.The youngster said at the time, Signing for Sunderland is a massive moment for myself and my family, of course. Asamoah gyan played for this club, and I am one of his biggest fans, there was no way I could say no to Sunderland"I would like to think I can bring pace, directness and leadership to the side. When I got the opportunity to come here, I definitely felt that having trained and kept myself fit over the past few months, I am now fully ready to get straight into action.Im hugely thankful for the opportunity and the faith shown in me, and Im looking forward to getting started here.He must now find a new club before the start of the 2022-23 campaign. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Fulham release Ghanaian duo Eric Ameyaw and Jerome Opoku

Fulham will not extend the contracts of Eric Ameyaw and Jerome Opoku, leaving the two Ghanaians free to leave the Championship club.They are among 14 players who have been released by Premier League returnees ahead of the 2022-23 season. Fulham are expected to strengthen their squad by bringing in new and experienced players.Ameyaw joined Fulham in September 2020 and was given a one-year contract last year, but he had a disappointing 2021-22 season, prompting the decision to release him.Opoku has been at Fulham since 2017 but has yet to break into the first team. His development has been slowed, and the club believes it is best to release him.The two players are expected to stay in England. Opoku was born in England, while Ameyaw was born in the United States. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Ghanaian midfielder Cameron Antwi released by Blackpool

English-born Ghanaian midfielder Cameron Antwi has been released by Blackpool FC.Antwi will be free to leave the Championship club when his contract expires on June 30.He is one of eight players released by the club after failing to secure Premier League football last season.Antwi, 20, appeared in just eight games in the 2021-22 campaign which concluded last month.He has been with Blackpool since 2018, when he joined their U18 team. Antwi was promoted to the first team two years later and was given a one-year extension in June of last year after going on loan twice. However, he has failed to live up to expectations and has been given the opportunity to find a new home where he can rediscover himself and become the star he desires. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Ghanaian winger Philip Aboagye joins German club SC Wiedenbrück

Ghanaian winger Philip Aboagye has joined SC Wiedenbrck from league rivals Wuppertaler SV in Germany's fifth division.Aboagye, 22, born in Dortmund has signed a one-year contract with an option for another season.The 22-year-old began his career with VfL Bochum before moving on to Wuppertal via SG Wattenscheid 09 and Rot Weiss Ahlen.Aboagye made 29 appearances for WSV last season (seven of them in the starting XI), scored five goals, and provided three assists."With Philip, we have gained a talented young player who often came off the bench in Wuppertal," said Wiedenbrck coach Daniel Brinkmann.He dribbles well, is lightning fast, and his five goals this season show how dangerous he is. We hope that with more playing time with us he will take the next step in his development," he added. source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/

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Prove to the Coach you are better than the foreign-based player -Richmond Boakye-Yiadom advises home-based players 

[caption id="attachment_1003064" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Richmond Boakye-Yiadom[/caption]Ghana and Beitar Jerusalem forward Richmond Boakye Yiadom has urged home-based players to be competitive and fight for positions when they get call-ups to the Black Stars.In recent times home-based players in the Ghana top-flight league have struggled to break into the starting line up of the Black Stars.Coach Otto Addo's recent call up to the Black Stars saw just three players invited for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Central Africa Republic.Daniel Afriyie Barnie and Augustine Okrah who received the call ups in the intial 33-man squad released were later dropped from the match day squad.Boakye Yiadom encouraged them not to be intimidated by the foreign-based players and compete for positions when they join the team.The local players have great talent. I was also a local player before I moved outside [Europe]. [If you are called up a local player] you have to have a why?. You need to ask, why am I being called? Why am I part of the team now? So if you have a why it makes you one of the best, if you dont, you feel like they called me and Im lucky. You come back and you are like, they called me to the Black Stars and you are just saying it, Boakye-Yiadom, who played in the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon told Joy Sports.If you have the why and you go there [to the Black Stars camp], you greet the senior players, its okay but on the pitch, you make them aware you are not here to make friends, you are not there as a local player but you are here as a Black Stars player. You put the local player behind you because when you wear the jersey you are not a local player. Even though you play in the local league, if you wear the jersey you are a Black Stars player.However, the former Juventus forward added that when local players are called into the national team they must go with the mentality of doing better than the foreign-based players.If I am a local player and I come to the national team, I am coming to take what youve been enjoying in Europe. There has to be a competition. If the competition does not exceed the European player, you have a problem because the European player is coming with something that he is ahead of you in terms of equipment, exercise, sprinting level, and experience level, where the fans are full in the stadium with the confidence level, he continued.When you go there, what do you show the coach that I am a local player but when you give me the opportunity I will swallow three or four players here. There has to be this mentality that why are playing and why are you in the national team. You are there because they picked you to be one of the best. You need to increase the level of your running and everything.As a coach, if I see a local player and a foreign-based player, you [as the local player] would need to prove yourself to me you are two times that him for me to put you there [in the team].   source: https://ghanasoccernet.com/