Debibi United are pushing to secure the signature of Basake Holy Stars midfielder Issah Yakubu, with negotiations reportedly progressing positively as a deal edges closer to completion.

The transfer saga has gained momentum in recent days, with the two clubs engaged in productive discussions over the experienced defensive midfielder's future.

While official confirmation is yet to be announced, sources close to the negotiations suggest that an agreement is within reach.

Since joining Holy Stars, Yakubu has been a regular feature for the side. His performances have drawn attention, including a notable man-of-the-match display in Holy Stars' victory over Berekum Chelsea. He also received a yellow card in a Week 5 fixture against Young Apostles for a robust challenge.

As negotiations continue, both clubs will be hoping to finalise the deal swiftly to allow Yakubu to integrate into his potential new squad ahead of upcoming fixtures.

For Basake Holy Stars, losing a player of Yakubu's experience would be a blow, but the transfer would also provide the club with resources to reinvest in their squad. For Debibi United, securing the midfielder would be a statement of intent as they seek to climb the league standings.

Football fans across Ghana will be watching closely as this transfer story develops, with an official announcement potentially imminent once the final details are ironed out.

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Nigeria head coach Abdul Maikaba has revealed that scoring early was a deliberate tactical ploy in his side's 4-2 victory over Ghana in their WAFU B U-20 Championship opener in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

The Flying Eagles got exactly what they planned for, finding the net within the opening five minutes to seize control of the highly anticipated Group B clash.

Maikaba disclosed that his team had targeted the first 15 minutes of the match to establish an advantage, knowing how crucial an early goal would be in such a high-stakes encounter.

"We planned for that. That we have to try and score in the opening 15 minutes. And we got it in the first 5 minutes. So we're happy," the coach said.

Despite the victory, Maikaba acknowledged the fine margins that separate the two West African rivals.

"Anytime Nigeria is playing Ghana, it's a tough game. Like I said yesterday during the press conference, it can go either way. And this game would have gone either way, but scoring first gives us that advantage," he explained.

Maikaba also praised his players' mental fortitude when Ghana pulled a goal back to reduce the deficit.

"Ghana were able to come back, but we were still determined to continue with the lead," he said, highlighting the team's composure under pressure.

The victory puts Nigeria in a commanding position in Group B as they seek to defend their WAFU B title.

Ghana, meanwhile, must quickly address their defensive frailties as they prepare for a must-win clash against Burkina Faso on Thursday. The Black Satellites will be determined to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.

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Nigeria head coach Abdul Maikaba has described his side's 4-2 victory over Ghana as a hard-fought triumph in one of African football's most intense rivalries, admitting that the encounter could have swung in either direction.

Speaking after the Flying Eagles' successful start to their WAFU B U-20 Championship campaign in Yamoussoukro on Monday, Maikaba reflected on the significance of the fixture and the importance of his team's fast start.

The Nigerian coach made it clear that he holds no illusions about the difficulty of facing Ghana, regardless of the occasion.

"Yes, of course. Anytime Nigeria is playing Ghana, it's a tough game. Like I said yesterday during the press conference, it can go either way," Maikaba stated.

His pre-match prediction proved accurate, as both sides produced an entertaining contest filled with attacking flair and dramatic momentum shifts.

Maikaba revealed that scoring early was a deliberate part of his game plan, with the Flying Eagles targeting the opening 15 minutes to seize control.

"This game would have gone either way, but scoring first gives us that advantage, and we planned for that. That we have to try and score in the opening 15 minutes. And we got it in the first 5 minutes. So we're happy," he said.

The early goal settled Nigerian nerves and allowed them to play with confidence, even as Ghana mounted a spirited comeback.

"Ghana were able to come back, but we were still determined to continue with the lead," he added, praising his players' mental strength in holding off the Ghanaian charge and eventually restoring their two-goal cushion.

The win gives Nigeria early control of Group B and reinforces their status as defending champions. For Maikaba, the performance against their fiercest rivals will serve as a confidence booster as the tournament progresses.

Ghana, meanwhile, must now regroup quickly ahead of their crucial clash with Burkina Faso, with defensive improvements top of the agenda for coach Maxwell Konadu.

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Nigeria head coach Abdul Maikaba has revealed how his side's tactical intelligence and ability to correct early errors proved decisive in their 4-2 victory over Ghana's Black Satellites in the WAFU B U-20 Championship opener at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

Speaking after the entertaining Group B encounter, Maikaba explained how his team weathered an early Ghanaian storm and made crucial adjustments to turn the game in their favour.

"Getting our first goal in the opening five minutes gave us the confidence to continue with the game," the coach said.

That early strike set the tone for Nigeria, though Maikaba acknowledged that Ghana posed significant problems in the opening exchanges.

"Despite the fact that Ghana dictated play in the first 25 minutes, we realised where we were getting it wrong, and we rectified it just before half-time," Maikaba explained.

The adjustments paid off immediately, as Nigeria scored twice more before the interval to establish a 3-1 cushion.

When Ghana reduced the deficit to 3-2 through captain Kelvin Nkrumah's penalty early in the second half, Nigeria showed composure and character to respond.

The victory puts Nigeria in a strong position in Group B as they seek to defend their WAFU B title.

For Maikaba and his players, the performance against Ghana demonstrated not only their attacking quality but also their tactical maturity in adjusting to the demands of the game.

The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to their remaining group fixtures, while Ghana must regroup and address the defensive issues that proved so costly against the defending champions.

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French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg have emerged as a serious contender to sign Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi as interest from BlueCo, the ownership group behind Chelsea and Strasbourg, intensifies during the summer transfer window.

According to Danish outlet Bold, BlueCo has presented a concrete plan for the highly-rated FC Nordsjaelland midfielder, with Strasbourg viewed as a potential first destination before any future move to Chelsea.

Chelsea's long-standing interest in the 20-year-old remains active, but the multi-club ownership model could see Yirenkyi continue his development in France, following a pathway already used by several players within the BlueCo network.

The strategy mirrors previous dealings between Nordsjaelland and Strasbourg.

Last summer, Danish defender Lucas Hogsberg completed a 15 million Euros move to the Ligue 1 outfit, while Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha joined Strasbourg in 2023 before earning a transfer to Chelsea this summer.

Yirenkyi has become one of the hottest young prospects in Scandinavian football after an impressive 2025/26 campaign.

The Ghana midfielder further enhanced his reputation with outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he played a key role for the Black Stars and attracted interest from several top European clubs.

Nordsjaelland sporting director Alexander Riget recently confirmed that the club has already turned down significant offers for the midfielder but admitted a transfer remains a realistic possibility before the close of the transfer window.

"Caleb played today because a sale is not over yet," Riget said after the club's league match against AC Horsens.

"He played well in the Super League last season and has just played in the World Cup, where he was really good.

Many clubs have noticed that, and of course there is interest in him, but so far we are not at a point where we are about to sell him."

Reports indicate Nordsjaelland are holding out for a fee of at least30 million Euros for the Ghana international, reflecting his rapid rise and growing demand across Europe.

Yirenkyi has made 54 appearances for the Danish club, scoring four goals and providing eight assists.

With Chelsea and Strasbourg both monitoring his situation closely, the talented midfielder appears increasingly likely to leave Farum before the transfer window closes, with BlueCo keen to secure one of Ghana's brightest emerging stars.

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Swedish-born Ghanaian winger Kofi Fosuhene Asare has completed a return to Swedish football after signing for Trelleborgs FF from Lithuanian side FK Banga Gargzdai.

The 24-year-old has put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 season, marking a fresh chapter in his career after spending the first half of 2026 in Lithuania.

Asare arrives with considerable experience in Swedish football, having previously represented Djurgardens IF, Landskrona BoIS, Sandvikens IF and IFK Tumba, while also enjoying a spell with Finnish club FC Inter Turku.

Speaking after his unveiling, the versatile attacker expressed his delight at returning to Sweden.

"It feels very good to have signed for Trelleborgs FF and I'm really looking forward to getting started with the team. It feels like Trelleborg is the right environment for me right now," he said.

Reflecting on his time abroad, Asare believes the experience has helped him mature both on and off the pitch.

"It has been a learning period that has developed me both as a footballer and a person. I have become more independent, learned to handle new challenges and gained experiences that I will benefit from for the rest of my career."

The Swedish-born Ghanaian enjoyed a breakthrough 2023 campaign in the Superettan, registering six goals and five assists in his debut season while earning a nomination for the league's Young Player of the Year award.

Across 67 Superettan appearances, Asare has scored 13 goals and provided eight assists, underlining his ability to influence games in the final third.

The winger says he is eager to make an immediate impact at Trelleborgs, highlighting his pace, work ethic and attacking qualities as key strengths.

"I want to contribute with speed, hard work and energy. I like to challenge one-on-one and create goal-scoring opportunities for myself and my teammates.

The team has had a very strong season, and I will do everything to help us win more matches and hopefully secure promotion."

Trelleborgs head coach Andreas Granqvist welcomed the signing, describing Asare as a valuable addition capable of operating across the forward line.

"The season is long, and we need to be well equipped to continue achieving good results. Kofi can play in all offensive positions and has qualities that complement our squad.

He has shown his ability at a higher level in Sweden before, and I look forward to seeing those performances again in our shirt."

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Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has made it clear that defensive improvement is the top priority following his side's 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in their WAFU B U-20 Championship opener in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

Speaking after the Group B encounter, Konadu identified the backline as the critical area requiring immediate attention if Ghana is to bounce back and keep their tournament hopes alive.

Konadu did not hide his frustration at the manner in which his team conceded goals, describing them as "cheap" and avoidable.

"We planned to start with the high press to see how our opponents would handle it. In the process, we gave away some cheap goals that I think could have been avoided," he lamented.

The coach acknowledged that while Nigeria deserved credit for their performance, Ghana's own mistakes made the difference.

"Yes, we were organised, but giving away cheap goals, I don't think we can make headway with that."

With a crucial clash against Burkina Faso on Thursday, July 30, Konadu has vowed to prioritise defensive work on the training ground.

"We need to quickly fix that problem and make sure that we play very well from the backline. I think that was the biggest issue we had. So going forward in the next game, we will be working on our defence to make sure that we avoid those mistakes."

"They did well; I think they played better than we did. We have accepted that. The only thing right now is for us to bounce back and try to win the games ahead of us."

Despite the setback, Ghana's campaign remains very much alive. With two group matches remaining – against Burkina Faso and Togo – the Black Satellites have the opportunity to recover and secure a knockout-stage berth.

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Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has offered a candid assessment of his side's 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in their WAFU B U-20 Championship opener, admitting that the Flying Eagles were simply the better team on the day.

Speaking after the entertaining Group B encounter at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Monday, Konadu did not shy away from giving credit where it was due, even as he rued his own team's costly mistakes.

Konadu acknowledged Nigeria's superiority while also highlighting the self-inflicted wounds that undermined Ghana's efforts.

"I think it was quite a difficult game. We planned to start with the high press to see how our opponents would handle it. In the process, we gave away some cheap goals that I think could have been avoided," he said.

"Having said that, we can't take anything away from our colleagues. They did well; I think they played better than we did. We have accepted that. The only thing right now is for us to bounce back and try to win the games ahead of us."

Ghana now faces a must-win situation against Burkina Faso, followed by a clash with Togo on August 2. While the Black Satellites have already secured qualification for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts, the WAFU B Championship remains a vital opportunity to build momentum and cohesion ahead of the continental finals.

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Ghana forward Bernard Tekpetey received the award for the Man of the Match after his excellent display for Ludogorets against Dunav Ruse in the Bulgarian Parva Liga.

Tekpetey scored and delivered an assist in the 2-0 victory, as Ludogorets made it back-to-back wins in the new campaign.

The Black Stars forward wasted no time in opening the scoring after netting in the 15th minute before serving Rwan Cruz with the second goal moments after the break.

The former Schalke 04 player was a menace for Ruse's defence from the blast of the whistle, finishing a brilliant move after Alberto Salido Tejero found him on the left flank.

The 28-year-old came close to adding  a second before the break after tearing away from his marker down the line.

Just two minutes after the break, he served Tejero with a delicious pass, with the Spaniard giving the Bulgarian giants the advantage.

Tekpetey was replaced by Emerson Rodriguez with 20 minutes remaining.

The Ghanaian and his teammates will now switch their attention to the Europa Conference League qualifiers, where they trail 2-0 against Hapoel Tel Aviv from the first leg of their encounter.

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Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has pinpointed defensive mistakes as the main reason behind Ghana's 4-2 defeat to defending champions Nigeria in their opening Group B match of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.

Although Ghana produced several encouraging attacking moments, Konadu believes the team's inability to defend key situations cost them the match.

"Yes, we were organised. But then, giving away two cheap goals, I don't think we can make headway with that. We need to quickly fix that problem and make sure that we play very well from the back line. I think that was the biggest issue we had. Going forward into the next game, we're working on our defence and making sure we avoid those mistakes that we made."

Despite the defeat, the Black Satellites earned praise for their attacking display, with many supporters impressed by the team's approach. Konadu acknowledged the positives but stressed that defensive discipline remains the foundation for success.

"At any given time, you still have to maintain your structure defensively, and when you go on transition and cannot quickly recover, it becomes a problem. You have to remain resolute in the heat of affairs and match the intensity of the game."

The Ghana coach also admitted his players lost concentration at crucial moments despite repeated reminders from the technical team.

"The mistake we made, I think, was losing concentration. Even though we kept telling them to always remember where they were, the tackles they needed to apply and all that, we still went down in the box. These are cases we need to understand. But we'll work on it and bounce back."

Ghana will now look to correct those defensive shortcomings when they face Burkina Faso in their next Group B fixture.

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Black Satellites head coach Maxwell Konadu has urged his players to respond strongly after Ghana's 4-2 defeat to defending champions Nigeria in their opening Group B match of the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire.

Ghana endured a difficult start against the Flying Eagles, conceding four goals despite producing encouraging spells in attack. The Black Satellites twice reduced the deficit but were unable to complete a comeback as Nigeria claimed all three points.

Speaking after the match, Konadu admitted his side made costly errors but insisted the team must quickly move on and focus on the remaining fixtures.

"Thank you very much. It was quite a difficult game. We gave away some cheap goals that I think would have been avoided. Having said that, we can't take anything away from them. We have accepted that, and it will be time right now for us to bounce back and try to win the games that are ahead of us."

The defeat leaves Ghana with work to do in Group B, with two matches still to play. The Black Satellites will now shift their attention to Thursday's crucial encounter against Burkina Faso before concluding the group stage against Togo on Sunday, August 2, knowing positive results will be vital as they look to finish the competition on a strong note.

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Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston believes Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz must move away from the defensive tactics that defined Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign and embrace a more attacking philosophy if the national team is to compete for major honours again.

While the former winger praised the Portuguese coach for guiding Ghana to the Round of 32 under difficult circumstances, he insisted the conservative style adopted at the tournament should only have been a short-term solution.

Speaking to 3Sports, Kingston said Queiroz deserves credit for stabilising the Black Stars after taking charge just 72 days before the World Cup following Otto Addo's departure.

"For me, Carlos did very well. His approach helped us because he was new and didn't know the team very well. His biggest strength is his defensive organisation. If you don't know a team well and try to make them attack immediately, you become vulnerable," Kingston said.

However, the former Hearts of Oak midfielder warned that Ghana cannot continue to rely on deep defending if the team wants to challenge the best nations consistently.

"What we saw at the World Cup won't help us going forward if we continue to defend deep all the time because football has changed," he stated.

Kingston believes Queiroz has the tactical ability to build a more expansive team but needs time to fully implement his ideas.

"Carlos has an attacking side to his football as well. If we give him two years, we should see that side of him."

"When appointing a coach for Ghana, we must consider the type of players we have. Ghanaian players like to express themselves with the ball, so Carlos should adapt his approach," he added.

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Ghana winger Bernard Tekpetey got off to a flying start in the new Bulgarian Parva Liga after registering his first goal and assist to lead Ludogorets Razgrad to a convincing 2-0 victory at Dunav Ruse. 

Tekpetey wasted no time in opening the scoring after netting in the 15th minute before serving Rwan Cruz with the second goal moments after the break.

The former Schalke 04 player was a menace for Ruse's defence from the blast of the whistle, finishing a brilliant move after Alberto Salido Tejero found him on the left flank.

The 28-year-old came close to adding  a second before the break after tearing away from his marker down the line.

Just two minutes after the break, he served Tejero with a delicious pass, with the Spaniard giving the Bulgarian giants the advantage.

Tekpetey was replaced by Emerson Rodriguez with 20 minutes remaining.

Swiss-Ghanaian attacker Kwadwo Duah was introduced in the game in the 71st minute, replacing goal-scorer Tejero.

The Ghanaian and his teammates will now switch their attention to the Europa Conference League qualifiers, where they trail 2-0 against Hapoel Tel Aviv from the first leg of their encounter.

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Debate over Black Stars call-ups has long been one of the most contentious issues in Ghanaian football, with every squad announcement sparking discussions over who deserves a place in the national team. Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston believes he has the answer, calling for a selection policy built on merit, consistency and performance at the highest level.

The former winger, who now serves as Uganda's U-17 national team head coach, says Ghana must prioritise players competing regularly in the world's strongest leagues if the Black Stars are to become a more competitive and settled side.

Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Kingston explained that the standard of a player's club football should be one of the first considerations for any national team coach.

"If I were the Black Stars coach, I'd look at several factors before selecting players. First, which league are they playing in? Ideally, our national team players should be competing in the top ten leagues. If they aren't, then they must be exceptional," Kingston said.

The former Hearts of Oak midfielder also believes regular game time should be non-negotiable.

"Secondly, are they playing regularly? Not just making the squad, but getting minutes every week. That's how you build a strong national team."

Kingston argued that Ghana already has enough experienced players, but frequent changes to the squad have prevented the Black Stars from developing a clear identity.

"We already have players who have spent more than five years with the Black Stars, so we have experienced players. But I don't think we have a settled team. It looks like the players who play in the qualifiers are replaced by new faces before tournaments. That's not how you build a team," he said.

"Coaches must be firm and build around a consistent group of players," Kingston added.

His comments come after Ghana reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with discussions continuing over how the Black Stars can build a squad capable of consistently challenging Africa's and the world's best teams.

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Young midfielder Felix Koduah Jnr has completed his move from Ghana Premier League side FC Samartex to newly-promoted Debibi United.

The signing is part of efforts by Debibi United to bolster their squad for the upcoming 2026/27 football season.

The club accepts the challenging task of competing in the top division and is making efforts to have a formidable side that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the division.

“Debibi United FC are pleased to announce the signing of an attacking midfielder, Felix Koduah Jnr, from FC Samartex on a three-year deal.

“Welcome to the Victory Family! We wish you all the best,” Debibi United announced in a Facebook post.

Felix Koduah Junior has left FC Samartex after spending two seasons with the club. The midfielder previously played for lower division side Asekem.

He is now on the books of Debibi United and will be playing a key role for the side when the new season commences.

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Nations FC Chief Executive Officer Kennedy Boakye Ansah says the club is confident the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex will receive final approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host its home matches in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup.

The Abrankese-based club, who secured their first-ever place in continental football after winning the 2025/26 MTN FA Cup, are preparing for a historic campaign while also targeting an immediate return to the Ghana Premier League following their relegation last season.

Speaking on Akoma 87.9 FM, Boakye Ansah expressed optimism that the venue would be cleared to stage CAF inter-club fixtures.

"The Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex is eligible to host CAF inter-club matches, pending CAF's final approval. We are doing everything within our means to ensure the venue meets all the necessary requirements so we can host our CAF Confederation Cup matches at our own stadium," he said.

The CEO also revealed that preparations for the club's maiden continental campaign began well in advance, with the squad currently training in Accra ahead of the new season.

"We want to take the Africa competition game by game and make Ghana proud. We started preparations long ago, and currently the team is in Accra preparing," Boakye Ansah added.

The CAF inter-club competitions are scheduled to begin in early September, with Nations FC hoping to make a strong impression on their continental debut while earning the opportunity to play their home matches at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

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English-born Ghanaian forward Charles Sagoe Jnr expressed his excitement after scoring his second goal in the Swedish Allsvenskan to propel Kalmar FF to a comeback victory against Mjallby. 

The Arsenal loanee netted the winner with 20 minutes remaining after smashing home into the bottom corner as the hosts secured a 2-1 victory.

The visitors had opened the scoring early in the match after Eliot Stroud scored but Aboubacar Keita levelled for the hosts 14 minutes later.

Sagoe Jr, who is enjoying an outstanding season in Sweden, snatched the winner after majestically controlling a pass from Rony Jansson before finishing in style.

"We fought until the very end to get what we deserved! We really felt your support out there yesterday evening. Happy to get on the scoresheet, onto the next!" he posted on Instagram.

The Arsenal academy graduate has now contributed ten goals in 14 matches since moving to the city on the Baltic Sea.

With a few weeks to the start of the Premier League, it looks like Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could recall the 22-year-old from his loan at Kalmar FF.

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