African Football
Breaking News: Christian Atsu quits Ghana national team
Breaking News: Christian Atsu quits Ghana national team
Ghana’s committed and reliable playmaker Christian Atsu has served notice of his decision to quit the Black Stars citing neglect over the injury that ultimately cost him his starting place at Newcastle United, according to reports.
The patriotic player, who has consistently served Ghana with diligence over for more than seven years, has told Black Stars coach Charles Akonnor he is no longer available for selection.
Credible reports suggest that the England-based player delivered the message to coach Akonnor when he visited England recently on a tour of Europe to meet Black Stars players.
It explains why the talented winger was excluded from Ghana’s squad announced by Akonnor to face Sudan in a botched 2021 Africa Cup of Nations double-header qualifier.
Atsu’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt ended prematurely after he picked up a hamstring injury during his country’s 0-0 stalemate against Cameroon on July 1, 2019.
He was immediately flown to Tyneside for treatment which lasted for over two months.
According to Ghanasoccernet, the talented winger is unhappy after officials of the Ghana Football Association failed to even contact him during the period of his predicament.
He was left to his faith despite proving his loyalty, dedication and commitment to the national team for several years and now appears to want to focus on getting his club career back on track.
The injury he suffered while on national duty cost him many things including his starting berth in the Newcastle United squad as well as wages because he could not get bonuses for playing and had to rely only on salaries.
He lost his place to the club’s emergency signing Allan Saint-Maximin due to the setback he suffered while on international duty.
The former FC Porto wideman is now reluctant to return to the Ghanaian national team after pouring out his genuine concerns to coach Charles Akonnor.
The former Everton and Bournemouth winger has demonstrated he is a top professional, whose loyalty to Ghana cannot be questioned.
He turned down a chance to play for Scottish giants Celtic during the winter transfer window as he preferred to fight for his place at St James’ Park.
Atsu has excelled heavily in Ghana colours, seizing games because of his huge heart, stamina and will to win for the Black Stars to earn him huge admirers in the West African nation.
An instinctive footballer often fuelled by emotion and adrenalin, Atsu has demonstrated his unrivaled commitment to the national team since he bust onto the international scene in 2012.
It remains to be seen if the Ghana FA can make overtures for the 28-year-old to rescind his decision as he remains keen to focus on his club career.
Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has voiced concern over the state of football facilities in Ghana, saying inadequate infrastructure is damaging the game’s attractiveness.
The local league’s appeal over the years has dwindled with many calling for immediate action to be taken to salvage the situation.
Speaking to Kumasi based radio station, Ahenfie FM, he expunge on the poor infrastructure in the country which has reduced the appeal of the Ghana Premier League and football in general.
“The poor infrastructure is making our football less attractive.” he ended
His comments highlight ongoing challenges facing the development of football in the country, from grassroots level to the professional game
The 35-year-old, who earned 78 caps and scored 11 goals for the Black Stars between 2008 and 2017, began his career with local sides Berlin FC and Berekum Arsenal before a loan spell at Asante Kotoko.
He later returned to the Ghana Premier League with Accra Great Olympics in 2022–23 after a long career in Europe.
This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.
- Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late). - Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header). - FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah
- Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’). - Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu. - Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x - Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar - Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji - Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).
Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.
Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.
Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.
Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.
“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.
The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.
The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.
Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.
Port City FC head coach Ennin Christopher admitted the pain of defeat after his side fell 1-0 to Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
Frank Abora Duku’s 20th-minute strike proved decisive as the Phobians secured a hard-fought home victory.
Reflecting on the result, Ennin stated his ambitions prior to the game was to win.
“I didn’t come here to draw; I came to win. So, losing is painful, but that’s football,” the Port City coach said.
Before the game, they occupied the 3rd spot on the log and were looking to continue that feat against Hearts tonight.
They will hope to regroup as they face off with Dreams FC in Kukurantumi next week.
-
Featured2 days ago
“I came to win” – Chris Ennin reflects on loss to Hearts of Oak
-
Featured2 days agoHearts of Oak’s Frank Duku strike sees off Port City
-
Featured3 days agoMatch Review : All Blacks beat Kotoko in Swedru
-
Featured3 days agoMatch Preview: Hearts of Oak vs Port City
-
Featured3 days agoAll Blacks’s Joseph Agyeman pleased with win over Kotoko