Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Blackburn Rovers eye Sierra Leone's winger Augustus Kargbo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Blackburn Rovers eye Sierra Leone’s winger Augustus Kargbo

Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing Cesena striker Augustus Kargbo, as reported by Italian news outlet  TuttoMercato.

The club seems to be planning a summer of attacking additions, and Kargbo has been a key player for the Serie B side, helping them to gain promotion from Serie C.

Kargbo, 24, had an impressive last campaign, making 33 appearances in all competitions and contributing 10 goals and 11 assists to help Cesena win promotion. His contract at Stadio Dino Manuzzi expires in 2026, so there’s no rush for his current club to sell him.

Rovers are keen on bringing him to England this summer. They have identified Kargbo as a target as they prepare for their first full term under the guidance of former Birmingham City boss John Eustace.

Tutto Mercato believes Rovers are keen on luring him over to England this summer. They have identified him as a target as they gear up for their first full term under the guidance of former Birmingham City boss John Eustace.

Attacker Sullay Kaikai pleased after pens Cambridge's new deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Sullay Kaikai pleased after pens Cambridge’s new deal

Sierra Leone international Sullay Kaikai has expressed his  delight after signing a new one-year contract with Cambridge United.

The 28-year-old attacker, who joined the U’s last summer on an initial one-year deal, has been a consistent performer, making 47 appearances across all competitions in his first year.

In February, he was named Love Cambridge Player of the Month after a series of outstanding performances, securing four assists and scoring one goal. 

“I am pleased to sign with the club for another year,” said Kaikai. “The club is moving in an exciting direction, and I am eager to contribute. The confidence of the manager, teammates, and fans means a lot to me. It’s about building upon last season, growing within the gaffer’s set-up, and improving as both an individual and a collective.”

“We are delighted that Sullay has decided to rejoins us,” added the management. “He is a player with undoubted qualities and has shown in the past that he can provide match-winning moments. We believe there is more to come from him, and with the hard work we expect from the players this season, Sullay has the opportunity to take his game to new levels.”

After winning the Love Cambridge Player of the Month award for February 2024, he featured in over 40 games for the U’s last season.

"I am pleased to sign with the club for another year," said Kaikai. "The club is moving in an exciting direction, and I am eager to contribute.."
"I am pleased to sign with the club for another year," said Kaikai. "The club is moving in an exciting direction, and I am eager to contribute.."
Ghana's Jerome Opoku pens permanent deal with Başakşehir
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana’s Jerome Opoku pens permanent deal with Başakşehir

Jerome Opoku, a talented Ghanaian player, has signed a three-year contract with İstanbul Süper Lig club Başakşehir.

This follows his loan from Portuguese club Arouca at the start of the 2023-2024 season.

Opoku previously showcased his skill by leading Fulham U23s and gaining valuable experience during loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Plymouth Argyle, and Vejle Boldklub.

His dedication and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Başakşehir family.

Opoku, who was born in England and is of Ghanaian descent, made his debut for the Ghana national team on 18 October 2023 in a friendly match against the United States national team, which ended in a loss.

Denis Odoi joins Belgian Pro League team Royal Antwerp
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Denis Odoi joins Belgian Pro League team Royal Antwerp

Belgian team Royal Antwerp has added an experienced Ghanaian player, Denis Odoi (36), to their squad.

Odoi has joined the club on a free transfer from Club Brugge and has signed a two-year contract.

Born in Leuven, Belgium, Odoi is known for his versatility and is expected to bring valuable experience to RAFC’s young dressing room.

He started playing football at the age of five and has had a successful career. Last season, Odoi played 39 games in all competitions, including Brugge’s run to the UEFA Europa Conference League semifinals. He scored three goals in the past season.

Odoi’s international journey saw him switch to represent Ghana in 2022, and he debuted in a 0–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Nigeria on 25 March 2022.

In November 2022, Odoi was named in the Black Stars of Ghana squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Debutant Kenya, Nigeria & Zambia face tricky U17 draw
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Debutant Kenya, Nigeria & Zambia face tricky U17 draw

The draw for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup took place on Saturday. Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia have learned who they will be competing against in the group stage of the tournament.

Nigeria, a regular participant, will be in Group A with the host countries Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and New Zealand. They hope to perform better than before in the competition.

Kenya, making their debut in the tournament, drawn in a challenging Group C, where they will play against North Korea, Mexico, and England. Despite being newcomers, the Kenyan team is eager to make their mark on the global stage.

Kenya will begin their campaign against England on Thursday, October 17, 2024, marking their debut in the competition.

Zambia, the third African team, is placed in Group D and will face 2014 champions Japan, Poland, and Brazil. They face a tough challenge to progress from this group.

This tournament is a great opportunity for the African teams to showcase their talent and contribute to the growing influence of women’s football on the continent.

The competition begins on 16 October and ends with the final on 3 November in Santo Domingo.

This will be the last time the competition features 16 nations, as the 2025 tournament in Morocco will include 24 teams.