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African players to watch …At 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

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The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 kicked off in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday after impressive opening ceremony and matches involving the two joint hosts.

In attendance are the finest nations as far as women football is concerned and are expected to entertain global soccer fans with their football dexterity.

Characteristically, attention is on the ‘heavyweights’ to run the show at the showpiece.

Countries like the United States of America (USA), Canada, Norway, Australia and Germany have always dominated to the latter stages of the tournament.

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This is because others like China, Japan who were previously among the elites seem to have dropped in standards and would be joined by the likes of Belgium, The Netherlands, Italy and Portugal as some of the ‘outsiders’ that would want to upset the apple-cart.

But from a far corner, Africa is storming this World Cup with high hopes of at least make a representation at the medal zone of the competition.

Nigeria have been at the forefront of this audacious challenge but have failed in their bid.

But with the kind of investment made on the continent to develop the women’s game to rival the advanced nation, a major upset from Africa may come too soon, if not this particular event.

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Once again, the Super Falcons would be at the forefront of this agenda and be ably supported by the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, an in-form Zambia team and Morocco, a new force in the game in Africa.

With additional files from Cafonline.com, the Spectator Sports takes a look at some of the African players expected to shine at the tournament to make the African agenda a huge success.

Chiamaka Nnadozie - Nigeria
Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nigeria

Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nigeria

Age: 22

Position: Goalkeeper

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Club: Paris FC (France)

The youngest goalkeeper at France 2019, Nnadozie has grown over the last four years.

After a stellar season with 11 clean sheets in 26 games to help Paris FC finish third and qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Nigerian’s shot-stopping abilities will be key. Standing at 1.8m, she dominates the area and is strong on crosses and set-pieces.

Andile Dlamini - South Africa
Andile Dlamini – South Africa

Andile Dlamini – South Africa

Age: 30

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Position: Goalkeeper

Club: Mamelodi Sundowns

Fresh off being named the best goalkeeper at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022, Dlamini heads to her second World Cup.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star is renowned for her one-on-one prowess thanks to speed off her line and positioning. Her reflexes and reach also make her a top shot-stopper.

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Ireen Lungu – Zambia

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Age: 25

Position: Midfielder

Club: BIIK Kazygurt (Kazakhstan)

A mobile midfielder, Lungu is aggressive on the ball and willing to take risks. She possesses excellent close control to retain possession in tight areas and draw fouls.

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Going forward, she shows creativity and guile to dictate play from the middle third with precise short and long passing.

Ghizlane Chebbak – Morocco

Ghizlane Chebbak – Morocco

Age: 32

Position: Midfielder

Club: AS FAR (Morocco)

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Voted player of the tournament at the Women’s AFCON 2022, playmaker Chebbak has football pedigree as daughter of 1976 AFCON winner Larbi Chebbak.

Equally adept as a box-to-box runner or advanced playmaker, her vision, passing range and set-piece delivery make her a key cog for Morocco.

Fatima Tagnaout – Morocco

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Age: 24

Position: Forward

Club: AS FAR

Pace and creativity define Tagnaout’s game. The versatile striker can play across the front line but prefers the left channel, cutting inside to shoot with her right foot.

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Her acceleration and top speed make her a constant threat on the counter, while clever movement creates space.

Asisat Oshoala - Nigeria
Asisat Oshoala – Nigeria

Asisat Oshoala – Nigeria

Age: 28

Position: Forward

Club: Barcelona (Spain)

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A five-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Oshoala thrives on the open field with her blistering speed.

Though she can finish anywhere, her heading, hold-up play and athleticism make her a well-rounded striker. Intelligent runs in behind defences are a specialty of the prolific finisher.

Barbara Banda - Zambia
Barbara Banda – Zambia

Barbra Banda – Zambia

Age: 23

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Position: Forward

Club: Shanghai Shengli (China)

Banda announced herself on the world stage at Tokyo 2020, becoming the first women’s footballer to score back-to-back hat-tricks at an Olympics.

Her pace with the ball creates space to shoot from distance or attack defences directly.

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Dropping deep to link play, she also provides key passes, while curling right-foot strikes echo Thierry Henry.

Thembi Kgatlana - South Africa
Thembi Kgatlana – South Africa

Thembi Kgatlana – South Africa

Age: 27

Position: Forward

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Club: Racing Louisville (USA)

After missing most of the Women’s AFCON 2022 through injury, Kgatlana is back fit to lead the line for Banyana Banyana.

Boasting superb technique and explosive acceleration, her low centre of gravity helps in duels. Strong aerial abilities and smart movement round out the skillset of the 5’4” striker.

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Grace Chanda – Zambia

Age: 26

Position: Midfielder

Club: Madrid CFF (Spain)

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At just 5’3″, Chanda is arguably the top central midfielder in Africa currently.

The Copper Queens captain dictates play with short and long passing, while also taking on defenders.

To unsettle opponents, she frequently combines with the right back. Chanda’s left-footed shooting stands out for its power and swerve, allowing her to beat goalkeepers regularly.

Her set-piece delivery is equally dangerous. Defensively, she displays intelligence in cutting off passing lanes.

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Chanda’s vision, creativity and well-rounded game make her the heartbeat of the Zambian midfield. Having spent her career with top Spanish clubs, the 26-year-old will arrive at the World Cup boasting valuable experience against elite European competition.

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.

The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.

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It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.

“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.

The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.

The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.

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The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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