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Lost to Europe: Players of African descent who will light up Euro 2024

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Europe’s elite football tournament tagged Euro 2024, which kicked off on Friday, will see close to 50 players of African descent showcasing their talents at the European Championship, highlighting the now famously held maxim of “global reach and unity of football.”

But in the real essence of the word, these African talents have been lost to the European countries because instead of seeing them playing at the African Cup of Nations, we are resigned to watching them strutting their stuff for European countries.

This year tournament holding in Germany, features one of the largest representation of players of African descent, highlighting the rich diversity and multiculturalism inherent in modern football.

Africanewswatch.com takes a look at some of the big name players of African heritage who will light up the Euro 2024 tournament.

Kylian Mbappe (France/Cameroon/Algeria)

If the Cameroonian football authorities had been successful in persuading Kylian Mbappe to switch allegiance to the West African country, his silky skills would have graced the African pitches, but it was a case of too late as he had already made up his mind to play for France at the time Samuel Eto’o and Fecafoot made moves to lure the highly talented player.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star is one of the players expected to shine in the Euro competition but his international career could have taken a different path had he chosen to represent his parents’ countries.

With a Cameroonian father and a mother of Algerian descent, Mbappe could even have played for the Algerian national team but the new Real Madrid signing opted to represent his birth country, France, on the international stage.

Bukayo Saka (England/Nigeria)
Nigeria’s loss was England’s gain as with Bukayo Saka growing to become one of the best footballers currently playing at the highest level.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, the Arsenal star has never hidden his love for Nigeria and on several occasions, mentioned that he would have loved to play for the West African country but the lack of connection saw him instead adorning the Three Lions’ jersey.

At only 22, Saka brings versatility to the England side and has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in football, known for his speed, creativity and tactical intelligence.

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium/DRC)

Everyone knows Romelu Lukaku and what he can do! The bulky former Chelsea striker will compete in his third European Championship for the Belgian national team, instead of filing out for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where his parents originally comes from.

The AS Roma star’s father was an ex-international himself who played for the Leopards, and one would have expected his more accomplishmed son to toe his path but unfortunately, his two sons opted to represent Belgium with Lukaku being the Red Devils’ all-time leading scorer with 85 goals, with the chance to adding to his tally in Germany.

Jamal Musiala (Germany/Nigeria)

Jamal Musiala is perhaps, one of the standout players in Germany’s squad for the Euro 2024 tournament, but if the Nigerian Football Federation had had it’s way some few years ago, he could have been a silver medallist at the last Afcon along with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

The Bayern Munich star had a Nigeria father while his mother is German with Polish roots and could have even played for Poland or England where he was born.

A product of Chelsea academy, Musiala played for both England and Germany at the youth level before committing to Die Mannschaft in 2021.

Johan Bakayoko (Belgium/Ivory Coast/Rwanda)

One of the hottest footballing prospects in Europe, Johan Bakayoko was born in Belgium to an Ivorian father and a Rwandan mother and was eligible to play for any of these African nations, but decided to represent his country of birth.

Had he opted to represent either, defenders and goalkeepers in the continent would have been reeling at his sight as Bakayoko is known for his brute strength, versatility, and sharp attacking instincts, coupled with fierce shots.

Memphis Depay (Netherlands/Ghana)

Memphis Depay has been around for ages but many do not know that he has roots in Ghana through his father, and could have played for the Black Stars if the country had succeeded in persuading him to change allegiance from the Netherlands.

At the Euro 2024, Depay is expected to bring his unique blend of skills and flair to the Netherlands’ campaign with his technical prowess, powerful shots, and creative playmaking.

Jeremie Frimpong (Netherlands/Ghana)

Jeremy Frimpong is another Dutch player with Ghanaian roots who have been mesmerising defenses in Africa, but rather will now be tormenting opponents at the Euros.

Known for his blistering pace and attacking prowess from the right-back position, Frimpong brings a dynamic energy to the Dutch squad.

His defensive tenacity coupled with his ability to join the attack seamlessly makes him a formidable presence on the pitch.

Eduardo Camavinga (France/Angola/DRC)

Camavinga has even stronger roots in Africa, having been born in a refugee camp in Cabinda, Angola in 2002, to an Angolan-Congolese father and a Congolese mother who fled the civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His family moved to France when he was just two years old.

Now 21, the midfielder has emerged as a key player known for his composure on the ball, tactical awareness and ability to dictate play in midfield. Camavinga’s skillful dribbling and precise passing have provided crucial support to France’s midfield stability and attacking prowess.

Leroy Sane (Germany/Senegal)

Leroy Sane’s father was a former Senegalese international and many had thought his son would toe his path and play for the West African team.

But he opted to play for his adopted country and the Euro 2024 which will be hosted on home soil will present Sane with the chance to show the world dynamic and explosive talent.

Known for his blistering pace, technical skills and goal-scoring ability, Sané is a formidable winger who poses a constant threat to opposition defences.

Lamine Yamal (Spain/Morocco/Equitorial Guinea)

The 16-year-old Barcelona star is the youngest player in the competition and could have added such flair to African football if he had opted to play for either of Morocco where his father hails from and the country of his mother, Equatorial Guinea.

Born in Spain, Yamal had represented the country at the youth level before being called up to the senior national team despite attempts by Morocco to persuade him to play for the North African country.

William Saliba (France/Cameroon)

Arsenal defender, William Saliba is one of the finest centrebacks in world football, and even if he doesn’t appear to entirely have the confidence of France boss Didier Deschamps, few in England doubt Saliba’s qualities after another season in which he’s played a key role in an Arsenal title challenge.

He was long sought after by Samuel Eto’o and the Fecafoot but by that time, it was already too late as he had decided to pitch his tent with the French national team.

Antonio Rüdiger (Germany/Sierra Leone)

The Germany international defender has never hidden his love for Sierra Leone, his mother’s homeland, and has invested heavily in charity projects in the West African nation.

Rudiger even celebrated with a Sierra Leonean flag at Wembley after winning the recent Champions League final as Real Madrid dispatched Borussia Dortmund, and regularly makes trips to the country.

Nathan Aké (Netherlands/Ivory Coast)

Manchester City defence lymchpin, Nathan Ake may be one of the standout players in the Dutch squad but he could have been doing it for Ivory Coast his late father, Moise, came from.

Ake was once courted by former Elephants boss Marc Wilmots, before ultimately plumping for the land of his birth.

Aurélien Tchouaméni (France/Cameroon)

Real Madrid’s versatile player,
Aurélien Tchouaméni, is another one who escaped from playing on home turf and will be showcasing his talent at the Euro in the colours of France.

Tchouaméni who has a Cameroonian heritage, has grown to become an integral part of the French team and has blossomed into a world-class central midfielder, helping Real Madrid win its 15th Champions League title a couple of weeks ago.

Tchouameni was born in France to two Cameroonian parents and could have been the Indomitable Lions’ midfield general had he not opted to represent Les Bleus.

Rafael Leão (Portugal/Angola/ Sao Tome)

Portuguese forward, Rafael Leão, could have played either for Angola, the country of his father, or Sao Tome where his mother hails from but opted to represent Portugal where he was born.

The 25-year-old has become one of the most complete strikes since leaving Lille for AC Milan in 2019, scoring loads of goals for the Italian side and the Portuguese national team.

Honourable mentions:

David Alaba (Austria/Nigeria), Eberechi Ezeh (England/Nigeria), Noah Okafor (Switzerland/Nigeria), Marc Guehi (England/Ivory Coast), Ezri Konza (England/DRC/Angola), Joshua Zirkzee (Netherlands/Nigeria), Yvon Mvogo (Switzerland/Cameroon), Brice Samba (France/Congo-Brazzaville),
Dayot Upamecano (France/Guinea-Bissau), Manuel Akanji (Germany/Nigeria),
Benjamin Heinrichs (Germany/Ghana), Cody Gakpo (Netherlands/Ghana), Brian Bobby (Netherlands/Ghana), Kevin Danso (Austria/Ghana), Kwadwo Duah (Switzerland/Ghana), Michael Folorunso (Italy/Nigeria),
Kobbie Mainoo (England/ Ghana), Ousmane Dembélé (France/Mauritania, Senegal, Mali), Nico Williams (Spain/ Ghana), Jérémy Doku (Belgium/Ghana), Loïs Openda (Belgium/Morocco, Congo)

Sports

Sad day for African football as promising Kenyan star passes on

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he African football fraternity was thrown into mourning following the untimely demise of promising Kenyan striker, Ezekiel Otuoma, who died on Saturday from Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars winger tragically passed away after battling valiantly with an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves.

Otuoma was 31, was diagnosed with the disease which is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurons in 2020, and it left him confined in a wheelchair.

The disease ultimately ended Otuoma’s glittering career in the Kenyan Premier League that saw him also turn out for Western Stima, Muhoroni Youth, Ulinzi Stars and Talanta FC.

His wife Racheal, who stood by him all through the years, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a heartfelt social media post on Saturday morning, expressing deep sorrow:

“You left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift and I’ll cherish it always,” she wrote.

The distraught woman also penned an emotional message to the late footballer who died on her birthday.

“To my Husband, you left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared. Your love was a gift, and I’ll cherish it always. I loved you dearly in death, and I love you still in my heart.

“Though it was so soon, that really broke my heart. You left on my birthday, and it will never be the same again. You never said goodbye. In life, I loved you dearly and in death, I love you still,” she wrote.

The death of Otuoma has also left Kenyans in shock as many did not foresee his passing despite being incapacitated.

Since his death was announced, tributes have continued to pour in from clubs, players, and fans who remembered him not only for his prowess on the field but also for his resilience off it.

“We pray that the Almighty comforts and strengthens the Otuoma’s family, his friends and supporters. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and the whole football fraternity. Rest in Peace Otuoma,” his last club, AFC Leopard shared in a post on X.

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of Ezekiel Otuoma after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease. Otuoma will be remembered for his lethal prowess, which made him a tough opponent to face on several occasions we faced him during his playing days,” read the club’s tribute.

The striker rose to prominence during his stints with Muhoroni Youth and Western Stima and later earned a call-up to the Kenya Under-23 team in 2015 and was part of the Harambee Stars provisional squad for international friendlies in 2017.

Another of his former clubs,
Sofapaka FC, also honored his memory by emphasizing his fighting spirit.

“Batoto ba Mungu is sending love and strength to the family of Ezekiel Otuoma. A true warrior both on and off the field. A fighter has left us, but his memories will remain etched in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Ezekiel Otuoma,” the club posted.

In its tribute, Kenya Footballers Welfare Association said:

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of our member and former player Ezekiel Otuoma. Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and Kenyan football fraternity.”

Michael Olunga, the Harambee Stars captain, added a personal tribute, describing Otuoma as a champion who inspired many young players with his skill and determination.

“Rest in peace, champ,” Olunga wrote alongside a photo of Otuoma in his Western Stima jersey.

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Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns female team suspended over sexual harassment allegations

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The head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns women’s team, Jerry Tshabalala, has been suspended indefinitely amid allegations of sexual harassment of players.

A statement by the management of the top South African team said the 44-year-old Tshabalala, who has been in charge of Sundowns’s women’s team for over a decade, has been accused of a number of allegations, including making inappropriate sexual comments to his players, as well as entering the dressing room and refusing to leave while players are completely naked.

In a statement released on Saturday, Sundowns said they had appointed a law firm to investigate the allegations against the coach with specific instructions to unravel allegations of improper conduct by the Tshabalala.

The club said it views the allegations in a very serious light and has relieved the coach of his appointment pending when the investigations are concluded.

“Sundowns has, in the interim, put Coach Jerry Tshabalala on special leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” the club statement said.

“This is not done to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation, but to ensure that the investigation can proceed expeditiously and protect the rights of all parties.

“In the event that the investigation establishes facts that warrant action, the Board will immediately take such steps as are appropriate.

Mamelodi Sundowns will in due course make announcements on the findings of the investigation and the action to be taken,” the statement concluded.

The Sundowns female team have been a dominant force in women’s football in South Africa and on the continent since Tshabalala took over in 2012, winning seven domestic league titles, as well as two CAF Women’s Champions League crowns.

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