International Football
Ghanaians marvel at Super Eagles players’ form ahead of World Cup play-off
Ghanaian newspaper, GhanaGuardian has reported about the explosive form some of the players Nigeria could employ and deplore against Ghana next month in the Qatar 2022 World Cup play-off.
It reported that “there was a lot to be happy about for most Nigerians last weekend as they gear up to face the Black Stars of Ghana next month.
“If there was anything, Nigeria have showed that they do not lack the fire power when they meet Ghana as most of their stars shone by scoring for their various clubs.
“Emmanuel Dennis was the star of the show as he helped his relegation threatened Watford side get their first three points since Roy Hodgson took over the club from Claudio Ranieri in their 1-0 win against Aston Villa.
“Emmanuel Dennis’s late header saw struggling Watford win 1-0 at Aston Villa as Roy Hodgson recorded his first win in charge of the Hornets.
“The visitors’ hopes of staying in the Premier League had largely been written off by most after a dreadful recent run had seen them lose 10 of their last 12 games in all competitions heading to Villa Park – a sequence of results that had led to Hodgson’s arrival at the club.
“Nigeria new boy Ademola Lookman scored for the Foxes in their 2-1 defeat at Molineux as the Foxes continued their bad run in the Premier League.
“The 24 year old former England youth star had his nationalty switch confirmed by FIFA on February 11th, 2022 and will be eligible to play against Ghana next month.
“Moses Simon who shone for Nigeria at the AFCON with his performance continued on Saturday as he helped his French Ligue 1 side Nantes over come the mighty PSG on Saturday.
“The Nigerian winger provided the assist for the opening goal and was a delight to watch as his side defeated PSG.
“Genk striker, Paul Onuachu was absent at the AFCON but proved his value for his Belgian side as he marked his 100th appearance for the Belgian side with his 15th goal of the league season this past week.
“His current form has proved what he delivered the last term was not a fluke.
“Wilfred Ndidi scored his second goal in Europe this season with his strike against Randers for Leicester City Thursday. He also hit the 200-match milestone for his club. Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen was on hand at the King Power Stadium to watch Ndidi produce another top-class performance.”
Brazil will round off their 2025 calendar with two friendly matches in Europe next month, taking on Senegal and Tunisia as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, the Brazilian FA (CBF) announced on Thursday.
The five-time world champions, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, will face Senegal on November 15 at Emirates Stadium in London and, three days later, they will meet Tunisia in Lille, France.
The CBF announced that these fixtures were designed to “provide the team with valuable experience against African opposition” ahead of next year’s tournament in North America.
After the conclusion of the South American qualifiers, the choice of opponents follows October’s encounters against Asian teams, which saw Brazil beat South Korea 5-0 but suffer a stunning first defeat to Japan.
With coach Ancelotti facing limited preparation time after arriving in May from Real Madrid, the matches form part of a broader plan to expose Brazil to a variety of playing styles in preparation for next year’s the World Cup.
Looking ahead to March 2026, the CBF has indicated that Brazil’s next set of friendlies will likely be against top-level European nations, with the U.S. as the expected venue.
Ancelotti has been steadily implementing his vision for the squad and has emphasised the importance of adapting to diverse tactical challenges, particularly against teams from other continents.
CBF sources indicated that the plan for the three remaining international breaks would be to make final observations regarding players and tactical adjustments in November, lock in the starting line-up in March and strengthen ties with Brazilian fans with a final friendly at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana before departing for the tournament.
The upcoming friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia will provide an opportunity to test Brazil’s readiness against two of Africa’s strongest sides.
Senegal boast a formidable squad featuring Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson and Kalidou Koulibaly. They shocked Brazil 4-2 in their last encounter, a friendly played in Lisbon two years ago.
Tunisia, meanwhile, are known for their defensive organisation and have consistently performed well in African competitions.
Back in September they were the second African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with two games to spare.
-Reuters
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Well-travelled Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte has been named as Guinea’s new coach, less than a month before their next round of World Cup qualifiers.
Duarte, 56, has twice previously coached Burkina Faso and taken charge of Gabon and Togo, while also coaching at clubs in Portugal, France, Tunisia, Angola and Saudi Arabia.
Guinea’s football federation gave no contract details when they made the announcement on Monday, but said they would be looking for Duarte to “restructure their national team”.
Guinea trail leaders Algeria by eight points in their World Cup qualifying group with four games remaining, leaving them with only a slim chance of qualification.
They play Somalia away on September 5 and then Algeria at home on September 8 in their next two qualifiers although a stadium ban means Guinea have moved their home game to Casablanca, Morocco.
-Reuters
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Veteran coach Louis van Gaal says he has been cured of cancer and is keen for a return to the higher levels of the game.
The 73-year-old announced three years ago that he was suffering from prostate cancer, but told a Dutch television talk show, “I’m no longer bothered by cancer.”
When he announced his illness, Van Gaal was the coach of the Dutch national team, but he has not worked since the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
“Two years ago, I had a few operations. It was all bad then. But it all worked out in the end. I have check-ups every few months, and that’s going well. I’m getting fitter and fitter,” he said.
Van Gaal, whose career has included stints at Ajax Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United, reiterated a lack of interest in returning to club management but said becoming the national coach of a top-tier country could tempt him back.
He now serves as a special advisor to Ajax.
-Reuters
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