Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

Mauritania FA launch FIFA Talent Academy in Nouakchott
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mauritania FA launches FIFA Talent Academy in Nouakchott

On February 25th, a momentous event in the realm of football development unfold in Mauritania with the inauguration of the FIFA Talent Academy. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Nouakchott, this landmark occasion will not only commemorate the strides made by the country under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) but also establish Mauritania as a trailblazer in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) region.

This academy aims to nurture young talent and enhance the nation’s footballing prowess, signaling a bright future for the sport in the country.

The TDS, initiated in 2022 by Arsène Wenger, aims to help member associations fulfill their potential by identifying and developing talented players, addressing competitive imbalances in global football. The main goal is to raise national team standards for both men and women and to create a sustainable legacy for talent development. So far, 200 FIFA Member Associations have benefited from this innovative initiative.

FIFA will allocate a funding of USD 200 million to support participating associations for the 2023-2026 operational cycle. The Academies Programme is a key component of TDS, and Mauritania will officially recognize its first talent academy. Each academy employs FIFA-trained coaches to create high-quality training environments for developing the nation’s most talented players.

The initiative focuses on identifying talent, training players effectively, and providing opportunities to apply their skills in matches. Each academy also prioritizes safeguarding and education, ensuring a safe and holistic environment for all players. FIFA aims to establish 75 elite Talent Academies by 2027, with 24 already in place globally.

The objectives of the Mauritania Talent Academy mirror those of all FIFA-recognized academies: to develop top players, be a role model for the Federation, create a sustainable football ecosystem, and foster social growth.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the significance of this launch for Mauritania, a country dedicated to football development. FFRIM President Ahmed Yahya noted that this academy reflects FIFA’s confidence in their commitment and marks a crucial step toward a brighter future for Mauritanian football.

FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, highlighted the goal of providing young players with exceptional training and development to help them realize their potential in serving the country’s football growth.

Oumar Ndiaye, Director of the FFRIM Academy, said that this FIFA certification is a pivotal moment for Mauritanian youth, facilitating the enhancement of training programs. Thanks to FIFA’s support, they now have the tools to elevate their ambitions.

FFRIM President Ahmed Yahya expressed his satisfaction with the initiative designed to identify talent.
FFRIM President Ahmed Yahya expressed his satisfaction with the initiative designed to identify talent.
The Fifa talent Academy initiative aimed at identifying talent across Mauritania
The Fifa talent Academy initiative aimed at identifying talent across Mauritania
Striker Victor Osimhen doubtful for Nigeria World Cup qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Victor Osimhen doubtful for Nigeria World Cup qualifiers

Nigerian soccer star Victor Osimhen has injured himself before next month’s qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month.

The Super Eagles will play against Rwanda’s Wasps away and Zimbabwe’s Warriors at home, with Eric Chelle as the new head coach.

Osimhen, Nigeria’s top striker, was taken off the field in the 89th minute of Galatasaray’s goalless draw with Fenerbahce on Monday night.

Galatasaray’s team doctor, Yener İnce, confirmed that the substitution was due to an injury.

“We will see; it will be clear tomorrow,” the doctor said on habersarikirmizi.com.

Osimhen, 26, is now the joint second-highest goalscorer for the Super Eagles, with 23 goals in 39 games. Only Rashidi Yekini has scored more for Nigeria, with 37 goals in 62 matches.

Emmanuel Latte Lath nets brace on his MLS debut for Atlanta
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ivorian Emmanuel Lath nets brace on his MLS debut for Atlanta

Emmanuel Latte Lath had an impressive debut for Atlanta United, scoring two goals in one game. Broadcaster Mike Conti celebrated with, “It’s a double latte!” after his second goal. (Photo Atlanta United)

Latte Lath made history by being the first player to score two goals in a debut for the club on February 22. His goals came in the 41st and 63rd minutes.

Coach Ronny Deila praised his speed and skill, noting, “He’s quick, has great direction, and can finish with both feet.”

Before the match, there were questions about whether he would play the whole game, having just joined the team from Middlesbrough FC.

Latte Lath was substituted in the 90th minute, fulfilling his goal to score in his first match. “I’m really, really happy,” he said.

His first goal came from a corner by Saba Lobjanidze, which he headed in. He described it simply: “I jump.”

His second goal came in the second half when he scored in a scramble after a deflection from Montreal’s goalkeeper. Deila remarked, “When he’s focused, he can threaten any defense.”

Latte Lath signed on February 4 and made his debut just over two weeks later, rounding out a busy offseason for the team.

Starting the season at home with new players was a great way to begin 2025, drawing a large crowd. All three designated players, including Latte Lath, contributed significantly in Deila’s first match. “Their hard work and teamwork helped us immensely,” he said.

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi Scores Twice to Help PSG Beat Lyon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi Scores Twice to Help PSG Beat Lyon

Achraf Hakimi scored two goals on Sunday night, leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to a 3-2 win against Olympique Lyon in Ligue 1.

The Moroccan International now has four goals and five assists in 18 appearances for Ligue 1. Hakimi, named Man of the Match, played very well in this important game. After a scoreless first half, PSG took the lead in the 53rd minute.

Bradley Barcola set up Hakimi, who shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, past Lyon’s keeper Lucas Perri. Seven minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé increased the lead with a great solo goal, weaving past defenders and striking the ball into the left side of the net.

Lyon fought back in the 83rd minute when Rayan Cherki scored after getting a pass from Georges Mikautadze. However, Hakimi scored again just two minutes later, thanks to a well-placed assist from Kang-In Lee.

Lyon continued to push for more goals. In stoppage time, Corentin Tolisso scored with a powerful header from an Ainsley Maitland-Niles cross. Despite this, PSG held on to win the match.

Congolese's Edo Kayembe nets for Watford in win over Luton
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Congolese Edo Kayembe nets for Watford in win over Luton

Tom Dele-Bashiru and Congolese player Edo Kayembe scored to help Watford win the derby against their local rivals at Vicarage Road.

Both goals came in the first half, with Dele-Bashiru scoring a penalty and Kayembe finishing after a great play from Giorgi Chakvetadze. Watford controlled the game well, especially in the first half, and secured a valuable win.

Watford is now just three points away from the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, bringing excitement after a strong performance against the Hatters.

Cleverley made two changes: Jeremy Ngakia played right-back instead of Ryan Andrews, and Tom Ince took Moussa Sissoko’s place in midfield due to injury.

James Abankwah and Kévin Keben remained as central defenders, with Mattie Pollock on the bench again. Vakoun Bayo returned from suspension as a substitute, while Mamadou Doumbia started in attack.

Imrân Louza captained the team after his impressive performances in midfield. The win elevated the London club to ninth in the English Championship standings.