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My worst injuries happened with the Black Stars – Essien
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Former Ghana international Michael Essien says he holds no grudges against the country, even though he sustained his worst injuries while playing for the Black Stars.
Essien represented Ghana at two World Cups, including the country’s maiden appearance in 2006, and led Ghana to a third-place finish at the AFCON on home soil in 2008.
It is widely believed the former Chelsea midfielder could have done more for his country but for injuries.
The first of such injuries was against Senegal in London, in August 2007.
Essien would sustain another, and perhaps the most significant of the injuries he suffered while playing for Ghana.
Then, as a 25-year-old, Essien felt a pop in his knee during the international friendly played in September 2008.
Further tests showed he had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out of action for the duration of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.
”(I suffered) my first injury while I was playing for the Black Stars, agianst Libya. That was when I damaged my knee badly. I mean, it happens. If there are no injuries, maybe others will not get opportunities so it is part of it,” Essien told Joy Sports editor, Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo in an exclusive chat at the Nordsjaelland training base.
Two years after the career threatening injury, Essien would suffer another one, this time, at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. Essien suffered what was initially thought to be the latest in recurring hamstring problem, in training.
Scans on Essien’s left leg in Luanda later indicated that he had suffered a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his knee and damage to his meniscus.
”Most of my bad injuries happened when I was playing for the Black Stars but who cares, it happens. I do not hold any grudges or anything. I was just unlucky and injuries are part of the game so we just have to deal with it. You know, I have no regrets. I think I had quite a decent career and I always look into the positive side of every situation.” he said.
Essien scored nine times in fifty-nine appearances for Ghana between 2002 and 2014.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club has announced that FIFA has closed the matter involving former coach Rene Hiddink following the full settlement of the amount owed to him.
In an official statement issued on August 18, 2026, the club indicated that FIFA had formally communicated the closure of the case after Hiddink confirmed receipt of the payment.
As a result, FIFA has lifted all registration restrictions that had previously been imposed on Hearts of Oak in connection with the matter.
The club expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stressing that it acted in good faith throughout the process and worked towards what it described as a responsible and amicable settlement.
Hearts of Oak has therefore urged its supporters, stakeholders and the general public to remain calm, noting that the relevant process has now been concluded.
The club thanked its supporters, popularly known as Phobians, for their patience, understanding and continued support throughout the matter.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Madam Lisa Antoinette McGee, a Philanthropist, has donated 30 desks and chairs to Street Academy, non-governmental sports and culture organisation in Accra.
The donation forms part of a broader commitment by Madam McGee and her family to support the welfare and education of vulnerable children including those around at the Art Centre, where the Street Academy was located.
Making the presentation, she said the gesture was to honour her late son, Jordan Allen, adding that Jordan was a sociable character, a 27-year-old teacher who loved children very much and believed that every child was made special.
“Jordan got sick and passed away in January. Myself and my husband, Nana Kwame Opoku Acheampong, want to do something special in memory of our beloved son for the children at the Street Academy,” Madam McGee indicated.
She said: “Prior to his passing, Jordan had already shown his dedication to Ghanaian youth by contributing $1,500 toward an orphanage project, a legacy of giving that his family now continues.”
Madam McGee added that she and her husband earlier visited the school and saw that the children sat on broken chairs, prompting their donation of 30 desks to have a nice and comfortable place to read and write.
Dr Ataa Lartey, Founder of the School, expressed their gratitude to the family, noting that the school would also name its big water tank after the late Jordan Allen.
“Lisa has promised the school that she will return to bring simple health items, such as bandages and other medical supplies to support the school nurse and help the children when they play,” he added.
