Category: Sport News

Ugandan prospect Allan Oyirwoth pens New England Revolution deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ugandan prospect Allan Oyirwoth pens New England Revolution deal

New England Revolution has officially signed 17-year-old Ugandan football talent Allan Oyirwoth. The promising midfielder, known for his skills in Uganda, joins the team with high expectations as he embarks on his first international adventure.

The contract will officially begin on Oyirwoth’s 18th birthday, January 23, 2025, and will last until the end of the 2028 MLS season, with a club option for one additional year in 2029.

He has already made an impact on the national stage, representing Uganda’s senior team.

Described as a “virtuoso,” Oyirwoth’s exceptional talent has captured the attention of scouts and fans alike. Although adapting to Major League Soccer presents challenges, the Revolution is optimistic about his potential to succeed and grow within the team.

His signing has created excitement among fans, who look forward to seeing him bring creativity to the midfield. Oyirwoth’s move not only marks a significant milestone for his career but also serves as inspiration for future Ugandan footballers.

As he steps into the spotlight, both the Revolution and Ugandan supporters will be watching closely, hoping for his success in representing Ugandan football on a global stage.

The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers for Morocco start on Saturday, January 11 as the young women from Sierra Leone will try to move to the next stage. Coach Fatmata Turay's team will play against the Central African Republic in the first round of the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The match will take place at Southern Arena in Bo City. This double-header against the Central African Republic is an important first step for both teams on their way to the World Cup. The team that wins will go to the second round and face the winner of the match between Guinea and Togo. Head Coach Fatmata Turay has shared her squad for the double-header against the Central African Republic. The 2025 African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification is the 10th edition of this tournament. Players born on or after January 1, 2008, can join in. The four winners from the third round will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
by Football Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone U-17 Women’s gear up for Central African Republic

The Sierra Leone U17 girls will begin their 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers for Morocco on Saturday, January 11, facing the Central African Republic.

Coach Fatmata Turay’s team is set to face the Central African Republic in the first round of the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. The match will be held at Southern Arena in Bo City. The second leg will take place at the Multi-Purpose Japoma Stadium in Cameroon next Saturday.

This double-header against the Central African Republic is an important first step for both teams on their way to the World Cup. The team that wins will go to the second round and face the winner of the match between Guinea and Togo.

Head Coach Fatmata Turay has shared her squad for the double-header against the Central African Republic.

The 2025 African U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification is the 10th edition of this tournament. Players born on or after January 1, 2008, can join in.

The four winners from the third round will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Sierra Leone U17 Women's Squad confirmation
Sierra Leone U17 Women's Squad confirmation
New Prize Money for CAF African Nations Championship winner
by Football Sierra Leone

New Prize Money for CAF African Nations Championship winner

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced new and increased prize money for the winner of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2024, to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, which has been increased by 75% to USD 3.5 million.

The total prize money for the tournament has also been raised to USD 10.4 million, reflecting a 32% increase.

President Dr Patrice Motsepe stated, “We are excited about the upcoming CHAN in 2024 and are committed to enhancing the prestige of this important competition. The increase in prize money underscores our dedication to developing African football.”

The CHAN will commence on Saturday, February 1, 2025, with the final scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2025.

Seventeen countries have already qualified: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Sudan, Zambia, Angola, and Madagascar. Two more countries will qualify based on the remaining matches.

Meanwhile, the draw for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, at 20:00 local time (17:00 GMT / 19:00 Cairo time).

Nigeria appoint Ex-Mali coach Éric Sékou Chelle as New Super Eagles coach
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ex-Mali coach Éric Sékou Chelle appointed as New Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Éric Chelle as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s football team, the Super Eagles. He is the third coach to take over since José Peseiro resigned in March 2024.

The NFF announced Chelle’s appointment on Tuesday, following a video statement from President Ibrahim Gusau that hinted at the news.

“The NFF Executive Committee has approved the Technical and Development Sub-Committee’s recommendation to appoint Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles,” the NFF said.

During a meeting in Abuja on January 2, 2025, the committee recommended Chelle for the job. The Executive Committee approved this recommendation on January 7.

Chelle has played five times for Mali’s national team and has coached clubs like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran. He was the head coach of Mali’s national team from 2022 until he was dismissed on June 13, 2024.

A highlight of Chelle’s time with Mali was their quarterfinal performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Although they lost to the eventual champions, Côte d’Ivoire, their fluid and attacking style of play received praise.

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim faces contract saga
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone head coach Amidu Karim faces contract saga

The National Sports Authority (NSA), in consultation with the Ministry of Sports, has communicated that they have formally “terminated” the contract of Leone Stars head coach Amidu Karim and his backroom staff. (Photo Credit Kemokai Sportgraphy) 

This pronouncement was communicated through an official letter to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). Additionally, the NSA has requested that the SLFA appoint a new coaching staff, according to the country’s football body, SLFA.

It remains unclear – what will happen if the SLFA insists on retaining Karim as head coach. Meanwhile, this medium has approached a senior executive official of the NSA for comment, but there has been no response at the time of writing.

Karim was appointed by the SLFA in a deal from October 3, 2023, to October 15, 2025, covering both the ongoing qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. But, the paymasters are the NSA, the body set up by government legislation to regulate and develop sport in Sierra Leone.

The National Sports Authority (NSA), which has been handling the salaries of the national team coaches through the government Finance Ministry, has cited Leone Stars’ poor performances as a primary reason for their termination.

It is common in most African countries for the government to issue the pay cheque to the head coach. But with World Cup qualifiers ahead, Sierra Leone has just two months to resolve the matter.

During the AFON 2025 qualifiers, the Leone Stars conceded ten goals while only managing to score five, marking yet another unsuccessful attempt to qualify for this year’s premier continental football event in Morocco.

Amidu Karim and his team were brought on board in October 2023 to guide the Leone Stars through the African Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, the West African team struggled to secure the vital victories needed for advancement.

Karim, who had previously served as an assistant coach for six years before taking on the head coaching role, had a mixed record in his time in charge. He notably led the team to a memorable victory against the reigning African champions, Ivory Coast, with a late goal from Amadou Bakayoko in the Liberian capital.

However, the team was unable to secure wins against Chad, resulting in consecutive draws that hindered their chances of qualifying for Morocco 2025.

At present, Sierra Leone is in fourth place in Group A of the World Cup 2026 campaign, with five points from one win, one loss, and two draws. Their next crucial matches are set against Guinea-Bissau and Egypt in March 2025.