African Soccer Glows Via Ghana

Never has an African sports success story resonated around the globe as Ghana’s historic supremacy established at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt last month. Perhaps, the penalty shoot-out drama that unfolded in the cliff-hanger finale against four time champions Brazil, defined the frenzied mood of the time. Alternatively, the heroism and fortitude of the 10-man Ghanaian fighting team brought Brazil to a standstill, which accentuated the celebration. The euphoria of the moment could be validated by an indigenous African coach that manifested itself into the first goal by the Africans on home soil. In addition, it could be that, Africa has finally certified her arrival on the big stage, hence the endless feast of glory. Of course, Africa had the cause to celebrate in the past via, Olympic Games gold medal successes by Nigeria and Cameroun, after Ghana blazed the trail as the first African country to win an Olympic medal (bronze) in Barcelona. Read More

Interview with Augustine Eguavoen

Outside the Football world, one person you would like to meet?

“(Pause)…if I say Nelson Mandela, it will be a little bit crazy because I have met him already. I am also a very big fan of Madonna, the musician and then Janet Jackson as well. I would love to meet these stars. But I have my local stars back home though, like Genevieve, Oshan George, Okereke and so on and so forth, the guys also. But I have met them and if they were outside Nigeria, they will be one to meet.”

Why was France ‘98 a flop?

“It was indeed a flop by my assessment, when Bora took over, just like every other coach he came with a different style, more so some of us came into the team late like; Rashidi Yekini, Okafor, Peter Rufai, Ben Iroha and myself. After the success of the Atlanta ‘96 dream team, most people felt this was the team for the world Cup, forgetting that the world cup is a different cup of tea. They didn’t have that needed experience, but they were good. As they began to lose games we were called in the young boy that won the gold medal in Atlanta did not like it from my observation and there was division in the camp. Another factor was the captainship issue errrrr. Having been captain in ‘94 I felt I should of have been the captain of the team, it did not bother me as I was there to give my best to my country. Then it was Oliseh and there after it was Kanu, infact the team lack leadership. The divisions continue to France, while there, for the first time I saw a Nigeria team with one player to a room, it is unheard of. It was always two players to a room, for the simple reason of sharing ideals and how best the team can succeed. Like earlier said it was Bora’s ideal, he thought it was great. As I speak to you today Rashidi Yekini it’s still not relating with some players, based on what happened in France ‘98, I hate to say it, but the truth be said, but a house divided against itself cannot stand and our France ‘98 team paid for it.” Read More

Vancouver whitecaps

It’s an awkward time in the illustrious history of the Vancouver Whitecaps. Awkward, but exciting. With two matches remaining in the United Soccer Leagues First Division regular season, the British Columbia side had yet to officially wrap up a playoff berth. This is after winning a second championship in three seasons in 2008.

That title came in front of an over-capacity crowd of 5,822 spectators at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium in October. Five months later, those same fans were celebrating the club’s entry into Major League Soccer. And if there was any doubt of their ability to compete in the top flight, it was put to bed with a run of three consecutive wins in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.

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Road to South Africa 2010

It is not how well you started that matters but how well you end, that was the case between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. Right from the very start of the group game the Tunisia took the driver seat making Nigeria a co-pilot.

 

After 2-0 bashing of morocco at home the indomitable lions of Cameroon booked their place in the 2010 World cup. Making them the only country in the continent to qualify for a record six times for the global soccer showpiece.
After just a point from 2 games and the chance of qualification was slipping away from the lions and Cameroon FA not wanting to take chance took drastic measure by immediately firing the entire coaching crew of Otto Pfister and Thomas Nkono. The appointment of a new manager Paul le Guen saw a new leadership role for one of the continent most prolific striker and three times Africa footballer of the year Samuel Eto’o.

For so many years Ghana dominated Africa football, they played good and entertaining football. The reward was winning the Africa Nations Cup four times in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. They also made it five times to the Olympic before it was changed to under 23.
Despite the successes and being a major force in the continent, it was not until 2006 that Ghana made to it their first ever World Cup. It was anomaly that needed to be corrected and Germany 2006 afforded the opportunity. The black star shone in their group game beating Czech Republic and the USA before gallantly losing to Brazil.

Les Elephant or the elephant of Ivory Coast depending where you are coming from it means the same. Ivory Coast is gradually becoming a strong force to be recon with when you talk of Africa soccer. Though they don’t have many trophy to show, they have impressed with their style of play.

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Countdown - June 11th, 2010

Which Country will win the 2009 Confederation Cup?

South Africa

Brazil

USA

Spain