Javier Gómez Matallanas, spokesperson for the Spanish Football Federation, has lauded Nico Williams as a key role model for Lamine Yamal amid their impressive performances at the ongoing European Championship in Germany.
Both Yamal and Williams, young wingers for Spain, have been standout contributors throughout the tournament, playing crucial roles in the team's four matches. Yamal has recorded two assists, while Williams has notched one goal and provided an assist.
The two players have developed a strong bond since they first met at the Spanish Federation headquarters in Las Rozas, Madrid, during Spain's friendly matches against Colombia and Brazil in March. Matallanas emphasized Williams' role as a mentor, noting, "He's a good example to him. Lamine mirrors everything Nico does."
Matallanas further highlighted Williams' dedication to leading by example, explaining, "Nico wakes up, gets ready, and goes to find Lamine. He knocks on the door of the Barcelona player's room and insists, 'Come on, we can't be late.'"
Since their impactful debut as substitutes in a European Championship qualifier against Georgia last September, both Williams and Yamal have become key figures in Spain’s strategy under manager Luis de la Fuente.
Former Legon Cities winger, Stephen Appiah Asare is on the cusp of making a switch to Asante Kotoko, having arrived in Kumasi for a medical examination before finalizing his transfer.
Ghana international Mohammed Kudus is optimistic that his impressive debut season with West Ham United marks the start of even greater achievements.
Since joining West Ham from Ajax last summer, Kudus has made a significant impact, establishing himself as a key player for the team. In the past season, he scored eight goals and provided six assists in the Premier League, while also netting five goals in the Europa League.
After being named Player of the Year at the 2024 Ghana Football Awards, Kudus reflected on his debut season and shared his excitement for the future. “Personally, before I even took the step I knew I was ready for the challenge that’s why I went for it, and once I was ready I knew what I expected from myself. Big ups to all the teammates and the people around my club, they really helped me to settle,” Kudus said.
He continued to express his belief that there is much more to come. “I put in the effort day in day out. It’s a difficult league, tough games but I still believe that I’m far from my abilities. It’s just the beginning and it was good to announce myself in the first season. I know it’s going to get much tougher now and I’m prepared for it,” he added.
Kudus’s stellar performances have drawn the interest of several clubs, highlighting the significant impact he made in his debut season.
Former Ghana international John Mensah has urged Ghanaians to place their trust in Black Stars coach Otto Addo, expressing confidence in his ability to turn the team’s fortunes around.
Addo, who previously served as a talent development coach at Borussia Dortmund, took over the Black Stars in March after Chris Hughton’s tenure ended following a disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Ivory Coast.
Under Addo’s guidance, the Black Stars have faced a challenging start, including a defeat to Nigeria and a draw against Uganda during the March international break. However, the team showed significant improvement last month during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, securing back-to-back victories against Mali and the Central African Republic to reignite their World Cup hopes.
John Mensah, who played alongside Addo during their football careers, spoke to the media about the current state of the Black Stars. He emphasized the importance of patience and support for the coach. “Otto Addo is doing well. It is not easy as Ghanaians see it. He is managing to unite the team. I think the team did well in their last two World Cup qualification games. Let’s trust the coach and support him and I think he will do well,” Mensah said.
He also acknowledged the difficulties faced in the past but highlighted the recent positive changes. “Previously, it was difficult for us but you can see they are performing now. They are picking up and I will plead with the fans to exercise patience for the team and I think they will do much better,” he added.
At present, Ghana is positioned second in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with 9 points from four matches. The qualifying campaign will continue in March 2025.
Asante Kotoko has secured the services of Sudanese striker Obdoelkarem Obdelrahman from Hay Alwadi Nyala in the Sudanese Premier League.
Former Ghana captain John Mensah has called on Ghanaians to remain patient with the Black Stars during their ongoing transition period.
The Black Stars, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations four times, recently rekindled their World Cup qualification hopes with two consecutive victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. They secured a crucial away win against Mali in Bamako before defeating the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. These victories broke a seven-game winless streak that had plagued the team this year and reignited their quest for a fifth World Cup appearance.
In a recent media interview, the former Sunderland and Lyon defender urged fans to support coach Otto Addo as he works to rejuvenate the team. “Otto Addo is doing well. It is not easy as Ghanaians see it. He is managing to unite the team. I think the team did well in their last two World Cup qualification games. Let’s trust the coach and support him and I think he will do well,” Mensah stated.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in the past but highlighted the progress made in recent performances. “Previously, it was difficult for us but you can see they are performing now. They are picking up and I will plead with Ghanaians to exercise patience for the team and I think they will do much better,” Mensah added.
As it stands, Ghana is positioned second in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with 9 points from four matches. The qualifying campaign will resume in March 2025.
