It was a brisk January evening, but inside Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, excitement was reaching fever pitch. The Premier League champions had just pulled off a historic signing, securing Ghana international Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth for a staggering £65 million – the largest fee ever paid for a Ghanaian footballer. The move was set in motion earlier in the week when City activated Semenyo’s release clause. By Thursday, January 8, 2026, the 26-year-old had completed his medical, capping off a whirlwind few days that began with a dramatic winning goal for Bournemouth against Tottenham Hotspur – his final act for the Cherries. Semenyo didn’t have to look far for suitors. Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham had all been linked with the forward, but it was Manchester City who moved decisively, becoming the only club to officially trigger the release clause. The deal was sealed with a five-and-a-half-year contract, tying Semenyo to City until 2031. Speaking after putting pen to paper, a beaming Semenyo shared his excitement: “I am so proud to have joined Manchester City. This is a club with world-class players, world-class facilities, and one of the greatest managers ever. I believe City can take my game to the next level, and my best football is still to come.” Semenyo’s rise has been meteoric. Since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023, he has made 110 appearances and has become renowned as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards. This season alone, he netted 10 league goals, including a memorable brace against Liverpool and that last-minute winner versus Spurs. Bristol City, his former club, is celebrating too – they smartly negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause when selling Semenyo to Bournemouth for around £10 million. Now, with the record-breaking transfer, the Robins are set for a welcome windfall. For City, the arrival of Semenyo promises to inject fresh pace, strength, and versatility into their attacking ranks. And while he settles into life in Manchester, Semenyo is expected to maintain his crucial role with the Ghana Black Stars, having already amassed over 30 international caps and representing his nation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. With the ink barely dry on his contract, all eyes will be on Semenyo as he embarks on a new chapter in sky blue, ready to chase trophies and carve his name into Manchester City’s storied history. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Under the bright Bolgatanga sky, the Mobil Park hummed with an electric energy. It was more than a football match; it was a gathering of hearts, a celebration of community spirit. The stage was set for an epic showdown in the 4th Inter Community Unity Soccer Tournament finale, where Tanzui Community would face Daportindongo Community. From the first whistle, Tanzui moved with a singular purpose. In the 12th minute, a surge of precision culminated in Bernard finding the back of the net, sending a roar through their supporters. Just six minutes later, Denis Alangdi doubled the lead with a strike of pure determination, sealing a dominant first half. Despite a valiant fight from Daportindongo, the score remained 2-0 as the final whistle blew. Triumphant cheers erupted as the Tanzui Community was crowned champions, their unity forged into victory on the pitch. The celebrations were just beginning. Sponsored by the generous Friends of Prosper, the award ceremony was a testament to the tournament’s success in promoting sportsmanship among all 19 participating communities. Tanzui lifted the giant trophy; their heroes were rewarded with medals and a cash prize of GH¢ 3000. Individual brilliance was also honored. Tanzui’s Azuma Perry, with his dazzling control, was named Best Player of the Tournament. Between the posts, Mensah Carlos earned the title of Best Goalkeeper, while the tactical mind behind the triumph, Azudaa Emmanuel, was rightly celebrated as Best Coach. The gracious runners-up, Daportindongo Community, were awarded GH¢ 2000 for their spirited campaign. The tournament’s Top Scorer honor went to Desmond Akane of Zaare Community, and Daportindongo’s own Adongo Elijah was hailed as the Most Promising Player, a shining light for the future. As communities gathered, each having received jerseys and footballs from Friends of Prosper, the true victory became clear. It was not just in the goals scored or the prizes won, but in the handshakes, the shared cheers, and the newfound bonds. The tournament proved, once again, that the beautiful game has a profound power to weave threads of unity and togetherness into the very fabric of the community. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United The Portuguese’s final game of his 14-month spell in charge was the 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday, which leaves them sixth in the Premier League after 20 matches. Former midfielder and current Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher is expected to take charge on an interim basis. His first game would be away at Burnley on Wednesday night, with a permanent appointment likely to wait until the summer.   The decision has been arrived at by the club’s leadership team, including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, after a breakdown in relations behind the scenes.   As per the terms in the deal Amorim signed to leave Sporting CP for United in November 2024, there is no clause present to enable a discounted exit, meaning United will have to pay up his contract in full. It was set to run until 2027 with the option of a further year. Speaking after the draw at Elland Road, Amorim hinted at tensions with those working alongside him, making clear in his post-match press conference that he considered himself the “manager” of United, not the “coach”. “It’s going to be like this for 18 months or when the board decides to change,” Amorim added. “That was my point, I want to finish with that. I’m not going to quit. I will do my job until another guy comes here to replace me.” Amorim has been criticised for his perceived tactical inflexibility during his time at United, due to his preference for a 3-4-3 setup. However, The Athletic reported in December that United had been trialling other formations in training. Against Newcastle United on December 26, Amorim’s side recorded a 1-0 win playing in a 4-2-3-1, before reverting to the 3-4-3 and drawing 1-1 against Wolverhampton Wanderers four days later. Speaking before the Leeds game, Amorim hinted at differences of opinion relating to the 3-4-3 formation and an inability to sign the players his preferred system requires. He again set his team up in the 3-4-3 against Leeds. United paid €11million (£9.25m; $11.95m) to hire Amorim from Sporting, where he won the Primeira Liga title in 2021 and again in 2024 while also winning the Taca da Liga — the Portuguese League Cup — on two occasions. Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman leaving after two and a half years in charge at Old Trafford. United went on to suffer their worst-ever Premier League season, finishing 15th with just 42 points — their fewest in a top-flight season since they were relegated in 1973–74. They went out of the FA Cup in the fifth round at the hands of Fulham, suffered a Carabao Cup exit at the quarter-final stage after losing to Tottenham Hotspur, and reached the final of the Europa League, only to lose to the north London side again. Defeat by Spurs in Bilbao sealed a first trophyless campaign since 2021-22 and ensured they failed to secure European football for the first time since 2014. United spent more than £200million ($269m) on new signings during the 2025 summer transfer window, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha all arriving for fees above £60m. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens also arrived from Royal Antwerp in an £18.2m deal on deadline day. This season, United endured their worst opening to a campaign since 1992-93, managing only seven points from their opening six Premier League games. The Athletic reported in September that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had flown in to the team’s Carrington training ground for a series of meetings, including with Amorim, with the team’s form on the agenda. Following the embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two Grimsby Town in August, Amorim himself called his future into question, saying “something has to change” and that the club’s players “clearly showed what they want”. He went on to say later that week that “sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players”. Amorim was previously in contention to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool before Arne Slot ultimately got the job and also held talks over replacing David Moyes at West Ham, before later apologising and calling the meeting “a mistake”. United have had six permanent managers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and have finished no higher than second in that time, achieved by both Jose Mourinho (2017-18) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2020-21). The club have spent more than £50million ($67m, €57m) on removing managers since Ferguson left the role. Source: The Atlantic

Ghana could secure a minimum payout of $10.5 million if the Black Stars qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following FIFA’s approval of a record $727 million prize and support package for the expanded tournament. The new prize structure, endorsed by the FIFA Council, represents a 50 percent increase over the prize money awarded at the Qatar 2022 World Cup and reflects the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams. The 2026 finals will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under the revised framework, $655 million will be distributed as performance-based prize money to Participating Member Associations (PMAs). Teams finishing between 33rd and 48th place will each receive $9 million, while those ranked 17th to 32nd will earn $11 million. With Ghana’s potential placement, the Black Stars are assured of at least $10.5 million simply for participating in the tournament. The approved package underscores FIFA’s commitment to rewarding nations for their participation and achievement in the global showcase, further raising the stakes for teams seeking to make their mark at the 2026 World Cup. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Team Nigeria etched their name into the record books at the 2025 Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) on Sunday, December 14, clinching their maiden championship after a series of hard-fought victories against Ghana, Liberia, and China. The historic win was especially momentous as it marked Nigeria’s first victory over Ghana at the ABF, ending Ghana’s formidable three-year reign in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. The tournament’s opening clash, held on December 12, saw Nigeria edge out host nation Ghana 52–48 in a tense and closely contested encounter, a result that set the stage for Nigeria’s remarkable campaign and shifted the balance of power in the tournament. Despite facing setbacks, including a narrow three-point loss to Team Lebanon in their second game, Nigeria stayed resilient. They rebounded with a gritty 47–44 win over Team Liberia to stay in contention for the title. Nigeria’s crowning moment came in their final match, where they delivered a commanding 114–37 victory over Team China to seal their championship run. The fifth edition of the Africa Basketball Festival celebrated its milestone anniversary with five days of thrilling action, featuring five participating countries, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, China, and Lebanon—and five fashion brands. The event drew over 5,000 spectators, who enjoyed a dynamic blend of high-octane basketball, live music performances, and vibrant fashion shows. The 2025 ABF was made possible through sponsorship from Glico General Insurance, GTS Drilling, Indomie Noodles, GTV Sports Plus, Points Africa, Warrior King Watches, Lamborghini Energy Drink, The Luckiest Africa, Minimie Atsomo, Lush Hair, Verna Water, the Ghana Basketball Association, Nkonkonsa.com, Awuah Sports, Sporty FM, Nescafé, and the Ghana Tourism Authority. The festival was produced by RITE Sports Services and hosted by the University of Ghana Sports & Wellness Directorate. For more highlights and updates, follow @RealABF on TikTok, Instagram, X, and Facebook. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, GB Jones, the tournament’s Chief Safety and Security Officer, has issued a timely reminder to football fans across the globe: safety comes first. Speaking at a forum organised by the Africa Center of the Atlantic Council, Jones urged supporters to familiarize themselves with stadium safety regulations well ahead of next year’s event, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Jones highlighted that while the World Cup is renowned for its colourful celebrations and energetic crowds, certain popular fan items will not be allowed inside stadiums. “With respect to what to bring to the World Cup, we want you to bring your passion, but leave your pyro,” he emphasized, referencing the ban on fireworks, smoke devices, and other pyrotechnic items. “We don’t want the fireworks with the smoke or the pyrotechnicians in the stadium. But we want to embrace the passion.” He explained that these restrictions are not meant to diminish fan culture but to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone in attendance. “Please understand our prohibited items include those which will be listed on our website or on the ticket information. Know what you can and cannot bring to the stadium,” Jones advised, encouraging fans to check FIFA’s official website and ticketing platforms for a comprehensive list of banned items to avoid any last-minute disappointment. Despite the new safety measures, Jones was quick to reassure fans that FIFA remains committed to supporting vibrant, fan-driven energy. “We want to ensure that you can get all your items into all the stadiums. Fans should bring what will help them celebrate, but within the limits set for safety,” he concluded. As the world counts down to the kickoff of football’s biggest event, the message from the top is clear: let the passion flow, but always put safety first. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has voiced concerns about Ghana’s prospects in their Group L encounter with Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the European nation as a particularly dangerous opponent. Ghana has been drawn alongside Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L and will face the Croatians after their matches with Panama and England. Speaking in an interview with Sporty FM, Mr. Adams singled out Croatia for their tactical versatility, noting the unique challenge this poses for the Black Stars. “Everybody knows how dangerous Croatia have been in previous World Cups. They have had different strategies. It doesn’t necessarily mean we should go and read their previous strategies as part of our preparation. They are a team that can change their style about three times within 90 minutes of play,” he said. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first-ever 48-team tournament. The expanded format will feature 104 matches and a record nine automatic qualification slots for Africa. The upcoming tournament will be Ghana’s fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars have previously competed in the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions, with their best run coming in 2010, when they reached the quarterfinals in South Africa. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

The tension was palpable at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, as nations around the world tuned in for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. For Ghanaian fans, anticipation quickly turned to excitement and determination when the Black Stars were drawn into Group L, alongside football powerhouses England and Croatia, as well as Panama. This group promises high-octane competition, with Ghana needing to navigate formidable opponents to keep their dreams of a deep World Cup run alive. Memories of 2010 still linger, when Ghana came agonizingly close to becoming the first Sub-Saharan African nation to reach the semi-finals in South Africa. That historic run remains their best performance yet, a source of both pride and motivation. The 2026 tournament marks a new chapter for Ghana, as it will be their fifth World Cup appearance. This edition is particularly special, as it is co-hosted across three countries, the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and features an expanded lineup of 48 nations instead of the traditional 32. The event’s grand scale was evident in the draw, with a screenshot from the live event displaying all 12 groups, from A to L, capturing the global spirit of the competition. Despite recent setbacks, including a lackluster showing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and a disappointing campaign at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghanaian supporters have reasons for renewed optimism. Under Coach Otto Addo, the team’s performances during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers improved dramatically. Ghana dominated Group I, overcoming Mali, Chad, the Central African Republic, Comoros, and Madagascar, signaling a possible resurgence at just the right time. Now, with their group-stage opponents revealed, the Black Stars are set for another shot at World Cup glory. The road ahead is challenging, but Ghana’s journey in Group L promises to be one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

United States President Donald Trump received the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize before the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The award has been introduced this year by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, designated for a person who has “taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and “united people across the world”. It was widely expected that Trump, who arrived at the ceremony with Infantino and has made several public appearances with him in recent months, would be the winner. That was confirmed at the ceremony in Washington DC on Friday. As well as receiving a large golden trophy, Trump was also given a medal and certificate by Infantino before making a speech. Trump stated he had saved “tens of millions of lives” through diplomatic interventions and had “stopped wars happening just before they started”. “This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” Trump said, before claiming that the 2026 World Cup has set a new record for ticket sales. “Gianni has done an incredible job. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible,” Trump said. “The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the hottest country in the world right now.” The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will take place between June 11 and July 19. Trump later returned to the stage alongside Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to perform the ceremonial opening to the draw. The three leaders drew the balls of their respective nations, which had already been assigned their groups. Afterwards, the trio posed for a selfie taken by Infantino. Mexico are in Group A – and will play in the tournament’s opening match – while Canada are in Group B and USA feature in Group D. Trump, after repeating his comments about ticket sales, joked about the name clash between American football and what Americans generally call soccer. “We have to find another name for the NFL,” Trump said. “This is football, we call it soccer here in the USA but it is really football. It doesn’t make sense that we call it soccer.” | Getty Images (Pic): Trump and Infantino have appeared together at many public events in recent months Analysis: A draw with a political feel Staged just a mile from the White House, this is a World Cup draw with a distinctly political feel. The glittering ceremony is at the Kennedy Center, the famous Washington arts venue now chaired by US President Donald Trump after he overhauled its board this year. Alongside stars from football, US sports and show business, Trump was in attendance, as will the leaders of the other two co-hosts – Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney. Proceedings, however, seem to have been planned with the US president very much in mind. Seventies group Village People were booked to play YMCA, a Trump favourite that is regularly heard at his campaign rallies. And, in a break with tradition, the draw ceremony featured the awarding of a new Fifa Peace Prize. Such gestures will only underline the alliance forged between the US president and Fifa’s Infantino, who announced the award last month, saying that Trump deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his contribution to the Israel-Gaza ceasefire, and enthusiastically praising his policies. For critics, such moves are a threat to Fifa’s commitment to political neutrality, one enshrined in its statutes, and risk turning the draw – and the tournament itself – into propaganda tools. Those critics believe Infantino and Trump are effectively too close for comfort, and that it sends a message that world football’s governing body is aligning with the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement, and endorsing what many feel is a divisive administration. Asked about the new peace award, amid reports that the Fifa Council was not consulted about it, one senior official at the governing body told BBC Sport: “Why can’t this be bigger than the Nobel Peace Prize? Football has huge global support, so it’s right that it recognises extraordinary efforts to bring about peace every year.” They pointed to the fact that in 2019 there was no such controversy when Fifa gave the president of Argentina an award to honour his contribution to football, and said the organisation deserves praise for endorsing peace in a divided world. Source: bbc.com