Sports
Galaxies dare Nigeria in make-or-break today
The Black Galaxies of Ghana will square off with the CHAN Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja today for the final round second leg qualifier of next year’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Algeria.
With a foot already in the championship, following an impressive 2-0 win over the Nigerians last Sunday, the Galaxies would be determined to replicate a similar performance and walk away with at least a draw.
Second half goals from Daniel Afriyie-Barnieh and Suraj Seidu ensured that the Galaxies travel to Nigeria with an advantage from the first leg.
The result, thus, presents a very tough task for the CHAN Eagles who would have to score three unanswered goals to qualify ahead of the Ghanaians.
But with the Black Galaxies poised to make a return to the CHAN after a long absence, they would go all out to protect their advantage and possibly return with a double over their neighbours.
Skipper Gladson Awako, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, David Abagna, Mohammed Alhassan and Umar Bashiru had been a delight to watch in the qualifiers so far and would be in the tick of affairs to reward themselves with the CHAN qualification after their splendid efforts.
Coach Annor Walker has expressed huge confidence in his squad and confident that his charges would deliver another great performance in Nigeria.
The embittered Nigerians, however, will definitely give the Ghanaians a good run for their money as they hope to overturn the results in their favour.
Playing in front of the large Abuja fans, the CHAN Eagles would be inspired to fly high over the Galaxies – and the turn the situation around.
The team had already moved on from their uninspiring performance in the first leg in Cape Coast and is determined to go all out for a win in Abuja.
Just like they attempted in Ghana, the Nigerians, who appeared more physical, would set up to bully and frustrate the Galaxies to succumb to defeat.
Whilst they hope to score, the Eagles would be eager to protect their goal-line, aware that any goal from Ghana could be disastrous as far as their reputation and future in the CHAN tournament is concerned.
Do not forget Ghana eliminated the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the Qatar World Cup this year and another slump would be seen as a calamity. But should the Galaxies care?
Indeed, today’s game should be a fiercely contested one as both teams have expressed their eagerness to grab the only ticket available for CHAN next year.
Whilst Nigerian fans would wait for a victory to celebrate, supporters in Ghana should be preparing to receive the Galaxies back to the country with a hero’s welcome.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
Sports
Black Starlets arrives in Morocco on U-17 AFCON mission …FA boss charges team to make Ghana proud
The Black Starlets, the national U-17 male team, have safely arrived in Casablanca ahead of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team departed Accra on Wednesday, travelling with a 35-man contingent made up of 21 players and 14 officials, all focused on delivering a strong campaign on the continental stage.
They completed a smooth five-hour flight to Morocco, where final preparations will continue before the tournament kicks off.
The technical team is expected to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion among the squad as they gear up for the competition.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, was present at the Accra International Airport to bid farewell to the team.
Speaking during a brief farewell at the Airport, the FA President urged the team to carry a ‘never say die’ spirit into the competition.
President Simeon-Okraku emphasised the importance of mental strength and unity, particularly in difficult moments during matches. His message was inspired by the team’s recent friendly encounters against Cote d’Ivoire, where they bounced back strongly after an initial defeat.
“I’m very happy that when you lost to Cote d’Ivoire in your first game during your friendly matches, you were able to bounce back—not only to dominate but to outscore them in the second game,” he said. “I read a lot of meaning into that, and I want all of you to keep that in your heads—that, it’s not over until it’s all over,” he added.
The FA president stressed that the ability to respond positively to setbacks would be crucial in a tournament as competitive as the AFCON.
He encouraged the players to stay united and support one another when the pressure intensifies on the continental stage.
“When the chips are down, that’s when we need to hold each other together,” Okraku added. “So go out there and make Ghana proud.”
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled for Thursday, May 14.
Twenty-three (23) players have been called up for this month’s international friendly against Mexico.
The squad is composed of star players from the domestic league and European leagues who are closely monitored by Coach Carlos Queiroz, as well as U-23 players who will soon represent Ghana in the upcoming Olympic Games qualifiers.
Notable names include Majeed Ashimeru, Felix Afena-Gyan, Razak Simpson, and Birmingham City’s Ibrahim Osman.
Ashimeru returns to action after a long spell on the sidelines due to a muscle injury that limited his appearances at both club and national level.
Also in the team is Felix Afena-Gyan, whose last appearance for Ghana was in May last year when he featured against Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup in London.
Barcelona B’s Abdul Aziz Issah, Ebenezer Annan of AS Saint-Étienne, Ibrahim Osman of Birmingham City, and Paul Reverson of Ajax FC have also been included in the squad.
Midfielder Salim Adams, one of the key players for Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama SC, leads the group of home-based players.
Others are Heart of Lions’ Ebenezer Abban, Ebenezer Adade of Dreams FC, and Nations FC captain Razak Simpson. Ghana will travel to Mexico for the international friendly on Friday, May 22, 2026.
