Michael Essien : Champions League bound

Ghana and Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien has received what appears to be a morale-booster from his club manager Jose Mourinho, who has promised Champions League action for the former Olympique Lyon man this season, yet again. After what seemed like a shock, when the Portuguese manager omitted the midfield anchor from his initial Champions League squad submitted to UEFA earlier this season, the Ghanaian has worked tirelessly for his country and perhaps club though featuring in only League cup games and a cameo appearance against West Ham United in the English Premiership [thus, 3 appearance all season]. The former Real Madrid manager has highlighted Essien's professionalism in training. Agoronet understands, Jose Mourinho is planning on settling the Ghanaian in his 'good books' for regular soccer action once more. The manager reiterated his desire to feature the Ghanaian in this season's Champions League knock-out stage when the transfer window opens for new registration, early next year, January . Speaking to the official club website, chelseafc.com , the Portuguese manager said : "I will change Marco van Ginkel with Essien in the Champions League squad list. We are going to try to find balances. Our squad is our squad. Instead of thinking about the market, we will think about trying to work and trying to improve the team"

Who deserves the crown for the BBC African Footballer of the Year?

                                        

PREVIEW: 
The BBC African Footballer of the Year is an annual award given to the best footballer across the continent for the year. Voting is done by listeners of BBC Radio and also via SMS and online. The maiden award held in 1991 was won by Ghana and Olympique Marseille's legend, Abedi Ayew 'Pele'. Subsequently, other legends to have also won this noble award include: Emmanuel Amuneke of Nigeria, George Weah of Liberia, just to mention but a few. This year, 2013 has nominees from Gabon, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast contesting for this prestigious award. We seek to unveil who really deserves this year's award as we journey on.

THE MEN:
The nominees are :
John Obi Mikel of Nigeria and Chelsea fame, Yaya Toure from Ivory Coast and Manchester City camp, Victor Moses also from Nigeria but on loan from Chelsea to Liverpool, Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang of Borussia Dortmund and Gabon; and Jonathan Pitroipa of Burkina Faso and Stade Rennes.
From a glance, Yaya Toure stands tall considering the fact that, he's the only African footballer to be shortlisted by the game's world governing body FIFA for this year's Ballon d'Or.
Victor Moses also looks worthy of the award. He was Nigeria's 'Messi' in the 2013 AFCON tournament where Nigeria were crowned African Champions with a laudable performance against Ethiopia and also played an instrumental role for Chelsea en route to Europa League glory this year.
AFCON Best Player, Jonathan Pitroipa , single handedly sent Burkina Faso to the finals, an unprecedented feat and also played a crucial role for his French based club with trademark dazzling skills and sumptuous footworks.
Another player worth noting, is Nigeria's John Obi Mikel. It's a shame both his club and national team fans rarely acknowledge the effect and impact this midfield dynamo has on them. An unsung hero indeed. He lead Nigeria to surprising AFCON glory and silenced critics with his best performance in Nigeria shirt at the FIFA Confederation Cup with mouth opening displays and peak of a goal finish against the resilient Uruguay. He also was a stalwart for Chelsea as they won the top European Club trophies in reverse order consecutively. 'The Usain Bolt' of African football and also the 'Neymar' of Gabon football, taking his pace and fanciful hairstyle into account.
Pierre Emerick Aubemayang, has proven that, he's come of age and really a rare breed of talent across the continent. Aubameyang ended the French Ligue 1 season with 19 league goals and also set up the winner in the Coupe de La Ligue final, when St-Etienne won their first major domestic trophy for more than thirty years. His switch to European giants, Dortmund came in a memorable style with a hat-trick against Augsburg. The Gabonesse proved his worth in 2012 AFCON. Known for his lightening pace and flair, he remains my favorite player in the list though am not betting my money on him to win. That's about to be disclosed soon.

THE MAN:
It's time for Africa to give credit at least once to him in his entire career. He remains not a favorite amongst the Chelsea enthusiasts, however he has proven he's maturing season by season. Arguably the best box-to-box midfielder in London, he also has the flair to push forward when with the Super Green Eagles of Nigeria and occasionally scores for them. After Jose Mourinho's first term of office at Chelsea, John Michael Nchekwube Obinna has grown into a first team player and perhaps a starter under the subsequent club managers. Though not a flair-packed holding midfielder like Sergio Busquet or goalscoring Auturo Vidal nor a rugged midfielder like former award winner and club mate Michael Essien in his hay days nor a dynamic one like Bastein Schweinsteger, he certainly contains bits and portions of all those traits. In Chelsea shirt, he exhibits proper shielding when playing the deep lying midfield role infront of the defence and also exhibits his flair when in Nigeria shirt, where he has some level of freedom to join attack. He proved he could be very well, sublime infront of goal against Fulham and Uruguay this year. He steered Chelsea to lifting the Europa League by forming a wonderful partnership with either David Luiz or Ramires under Rafa Benitez this same year. He also powered Nigeria to AFCON glory , this year in a surprising style.

REVIEW:
Though, the Gabonesse still remains my favorite, if there's time to appreciate an unsung hero across the continent, I believe BBC and soccer fans should should look no further than Mikel Obi John. He truly and fairly deserves this year's award at least for his showpiece in the calendar year with both club and national team and also high time, soccer fans appreciate his efforts and impact in the game for once at least, before it's too late.
Obinna indeed, is his father's heart .

Chelsea fans heap praises on Michael Essien for his performance against Arsenal via Twitter

Chelsea defeated Arsenal in the League cup [Capital One] on Tuesday night, in the round of 16, to progress to the next phase of the competition with Michael Essien, the captain on the night for the Blues. Michael Essien made his second appearance for Chelsea when they traveled to defeat their city rivals Arsenal by 2-0. The Ghana midfielder lasted the entire duration of the game, in midfield, together with Nigeria's John Obi Mikel and other fringe Chelsea stars as the first team was apparently rested. The 30 year-old midfield dynamo was handed the captain arm-band just like the previous round in same competition against Swindon Town where he made his first season appearance. Spaniard amigos: Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata's goals ,saw the Blues brush the Gunners aside. Michael Essien played a crucial role in the game per the following stats and subsequently was hailed by Chelsea fans on Twitter: Essien played all 90 minutes, touching the ball more times (79) than any of his fellow Chelsea midfielders. His 64 passes was more than any other player in the team, at an accuracy of 91 per cent. He won one tackle and 3 interceptions. "Essien was amazing!!! Good to see yet another big team beat Arsenal!!! #CFC— Benjamin Bell" , "Essien is old but he still out-muscled the young & agile Arsenal midfielders. CLASS IS PERMANENT #CFC— Shoggy Dee" , "Don't get me started on Wilshire, non existent... Dominated by Essien who is probably only 50% the player he once was #overrated #cfc #afc— Pel (@el_peligrino)". "Essien bossed the midfield tonight. Give him another look, Jose. #cfc— Nick Verlaney" , "Mikel and Essien played well together. Covered the back 4 so well in the game just now. #CFC— Johan Ikhlas" , "Mata getting the plaudits but Nigeria/Ghana combination of Mikel Obi & Essien were superb. Overpowered Ramsey & Wilshere in midfield. #CFC— John Bennett".

Has Africa still got the men for FIFA Ballon d'or ?

Yaya Toure was the only African player shortlisted by the world's football governing body, FIFA, for this year's prestigious Ballon d'or (World's best footballer). Unlike previous years where Africa could boast of at least, two or more players from the continent nominated for the award, this year featured only one; before a final voting session would pick the final three out of the nominated 23 for the award. Let's take a look at the past, present and future of African soccer stars in relation to this award to see if Africa's still got the men. THE PAST: Gone were the days when Africa had players like Ghana's soccer maestro, Abedi Ayew 'Pele' who won loads of laurels with Marseille back in France but had little or no chance to be included in this fame because of the 'exclusion' of African players from this noble award. Players from the continent of Africa, formed the core of clubs in Europe subsequently, until the award was finally given to a certain Liberian by name George Oppong Weah in 1995 who played for AC Milan. He once did an unthinkable in footballing history as he dribbled from end to end of the field and scored a sublime goal. The era of Samuel Eto'o Fils who was once 3rd best of this award as well as Didier Drogba and Michael Essien also came by. They were constant nominees for this award though they hardly made the final three. THE PRESENT: As stated earlier, this year featured Yaya Toure who even though played an integral part for his Manchester based club, Manchester City, had little or no trophy to brag about ,following their community shield cup success over Chelsea early last season. Eyebrows have being raised about the future of African players who are touted to be world-class yet gradually fading into the skies. There are doubts if individual magicians from this part of the world could storm the global scene yet again in terms of soccer. THE FUTURE: Amidst the suddenly yet gradual decline of the quality of African talents at the world stage, there are still quite a few that leaves the African fan, something to smile about. Though it may not be soon, but it may not be too far to see some Africans rise again to the world stage especially with players like Pierre Emerick Aubemeang of Gabon and Borussia Dortmund, Andre 'Dede' Ayew of Ghana and Marseille, Mohammed Salah of FC Basel and Egypt as well as Kwadwo Asamoah of Juventus and Ghana fame. Lest I forget, Victor Wanyama of Kenya and Southampton. 'Ceteris parabus', these boys, even at their tender ages have established themselves uniquely for both club and national side. If consistency remains their hallmark then why not? Africa will soon have loads of nominees for subsequent years' FIFA Ballon d'or.

First African Golden Foot Hall of Famer - Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba played an instrumental role when Ivory Coast beat Senegal 3-1, in the first leg tie of the final round of World Cup qualifier for Brazil 2014. He scored the opening goal from the penalty spot. On Tuesday, the former Chelsea forward flew to Monte Carlo, where he was inducted into the Golden Foot Hall of Fame. He competed with nine other world class players, at least of the age 28 and still in active soccer as the award regulations demand, for their immense contribution to the game: Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Frank Lampard, David Trezeguet, Andrea Pirlo, Samuel Eto'o, Iker Casillas, David Beckham, and Miroslav Klose. Soccer fans around the world voted via Golden Foot website to select the winner for the year. The award was presented to the Galatassary forward by Prince, H.S.H Albert II of Monaco, in its 11th edition. He remains the only African to win such prestigious award and thanked supporters around the world via his instagram account: "And the 2013 GOLDENFOOT Award Winner iiiis.... Millions of thank you to all the people who voted". The 35-year-old joins previous winners as one of the game's greatest : Roberto Baggio, Pavel Nedved, Andriy Shevchenko, Ronaldo da Lima, Alessandro del Pierro, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Francesco Totti, Ryan Giggs and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

KP Boateng wishes Ghana goodluck ahead of Egypt clash

Ghana international, Kevin-Prince Boateng has wished the Blacks Stars of Ghana the best of luck, ahead of their epic clash with Egypt, in the first leg of the final round of World Cup qualifier scheduled for Brazil 2014. The Black Stars will host the Pharaohs of Egypt at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Tuesday, 1600GMT, before a reverse trip to Cairo in a month's time. Kevin-Prince Boateng will not feature for Ghana due to an injury suffered in his last Bundesliga game against Augsburg where he opened the scoresheet from a spot-kick, but was soon withdrawn from the match due to an injury suffered in the course of the game. This occurred prior to the international break when he had been enlisted as part of the Ghana squad to face Egypt. The injury blow extends the period when KP Boateng will make a return to the Stars, after his self-imposed temporar retirement was rescinded to a time; nobody knows. However, the FC Schalke forward publicly declared via his twitter handle, his support to the Black Stars in his absence: "I wish the Ghana Blackstars all the best of luck for the game against Egypt! Very sorry I can't be there and help... #blackstars #shining".

Pharaoh's Architect - Mohammed Salah

Mohammed Salah will play a pivotal role; when Ghana host Egypt in the first leg, of the final round of World Cup qualifiers to Brazil 2014 on Tuesday at 1600GMT at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. WHO'S MOHAMMED SALAH? At age 21, the FC Basel forward has established himself as the talisman of the current Egypt National team and holds the magic wand to their success story under Coach Bob Bradley. He is an integral member of the Swiss club and one of the most promising youngsters in Europe. He won CAF's most promising player in the 2012 CAF awards. He participated in the FIFA U20 World Cup 2011 and Summer Olympics, London 2012 for his nation. He has netted 17 goals in 24 appearances for the Pharaohs and is currently the top scorer on the continent in the qualifying campaign for the Mundial tournament, with 6 goals. HIS STRENGTH: Mohammed Salah is a nimble-footed winger who enjoys playing on either flanks and never shy away when put behind the leadsman or even made the leadsman. He has an outstanding pace that outruns every lateral defender that comes his way. He enjoys taking on defenders due his unparalleled pace and flair. A resilient Chelsea defence were victimized when they faced FC Basel in the Champions League and Europa League 2013. He managed to score not less than two goals against such a club at both levels, all at Stamford Bridge, underlining his potency infront of goal. His passes are also worth noting. Ghana coach , Akwasi Appiah should be worried of how to deploy a style to tame this young Pharaoh who seems unstoppable from a first glance. HIS WEAKNESS: Mohammed Salah's bane has been his inability to make a wholesome impact without the ball. His tackles are not the best of a winger ,who's expected to track back and help when the need arises. In defence, he is the exact opposite negative of his strengths. However Bob Bradley gives him free role, implying; his lack of tracking back to defend or tackle, brings no harm to the Pharaohs of Egypt. Bob Bradley stated categorically clear the essence of Salah some months back in the team, with or without the ball. HOW IS HE NEUTRALIZED? Amid his unrivaled qualities in the Egypt side, Salah finds it tough competiting ruthless yet rugged man-markers. However defenders are always at the receiving end of cards from referees in such cases due to his nimble and pacy feet. Nevertheless , referees failure to overprotect him , leave him frustrated when matched with such opposition and ends up, reflecting the least of his capabilities in such games. Ghana Black Stars coach, now has another true gem with youthful exuberance apart from the experienced Mohammed Mohammed Abu Treika and the likes of Waed Goma to tame, in the person of Mohammed Salah 'The young Architect of the Pharaohs' . Indeed this match deserves the billing for the pick of the qualifying phase and truly, a match fit for the gods.

Ghana's veteran goalie 'Olele' turns subject of Twitter banter : 'Olelefacts'

Ghana Black Stars' veteran goalkeeper, Richard 'Olele' Kingson continues to receive loads of criticism and fun-making, following his return to the goal-post of the National soccer team in over two years, ahead of the Egypt clash from Ghanaians. The 35-year old goalie was the nation's safest pair of hands in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups held in Germany and South Africa respectively. His absence from the national team was due to his failure to acquire a club for playing time according to the FA's president, Kwasi Nyantakyi. 'Olele', as popularly known, earned a call-up to the side again, after impressing the technical directorate of the national side headed by Coach Akwasi Appiah in far away Cyprus, where he plies his trade. He was called to bolster the goalkeeping area, ahead of Ghana's final round of qualifier with the Pharaoh's of Egypt for Brazil 2014 World cup in a two-legged tie. The playoff will see Ghana host Egypt first before a reverse trip to Cairo in mid-November. However, a large number of Ghanaian supporters have shown their disapproval to 'Olele's return to the team and has become the subject of a new trend on twittersphere: #olelefacts. Below are some of the tweets from the Ghanaian folks ahead of the Egypt clash on Tuesday at the Baba Yara Sports stadium. "@Bonsam_Mpo_Suro - Olele headed the America expedition with Christopher Columbus ! (The land of gold) #olelefacts" ; "@BlackMyth_ - And yaa asantewaa whispered to olele "I know you're my elder brother but lemme take this shot" #Olelefacts" ; "@ettennareal - Olele cleared the table after the last supper #OleleFacts" "@Bonsam_Mpo_Suro - According to greek mythology there are 10 planets , one is called OLELE !!! #olelefacts" ; "@TinaAikins06 - The popular stadium song"Ooley oley oley oleey" was in reference to Olele in his hey day in the 1920s..he was a striker then." ; "@fredkinxx OKomfo Anokye went to look for Olele's birth certificate and never came back.....#olelefacts" Nevertheless, the veteran goalie has vowed to put all his critics to shame when given the opportunity to prove his worth on Tuesday against Egypt amidst local fans discontent with his age and timing of his recall into the side.

"Now I am ready to face Egypt" : Sulley Muntari

Ghana and AC Milan midfielder, Sulley Ali Muntari was on target twice as his side lost to the Italian Champions, Juventus on Sunday night in the Serie A clash. His brace could not stop the Torino club from clinching all 3points at stake after Andre Pirlo,Sebastian Giovinco and Giorgio Chiellini hit back at the Milan club to secure all points for the 'Old Ladies of Serie A'. In the same game, Kwadwo Asamoah also featured for the Biaconeris as the home side carried the day. Both Asamoah and Muntari will play for Ghana, when they square off with Egypt at the Baba Yara Sports stadium in the first leg of the final round of world-cup qualifiers slated for Brazil, 2014 in a week's time , Tuesday . Ghanaians on Twitter went agog as Muntari scored twice for his Milan side.Sulley Ali Muntari, the former Inter Milan player, opened his account in less than a minute thus 20 seconds before adding another late consolation goal. Muntari looks to have the magic wand against Juventus as he scored against them when he was at Inter Milan and also scored a 'ghost' goal against same club last season but was disallowed. Muntari after the game wrote on his twitter timeline, " Very happy for the two goals last night but unfortunate we lost. We need to keep fighting. Now I am ready to face Egypt with the national team #forzamilan #forzablackstars". Obviously, that was a fair warning to the Pharaohs of Egypt as they head to Ghana for the qualifiers. Both players lasted the entire duration of the game and played instrumental roles for their sides,with Muntari customarily picking a yellow card late in the game.

Asante Kotoko unleash secret weapon - Seydou Bansey

IFFHS Africa Club of the century, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, is enjoying an unprecedented smooth start to the 2013/2014 Ghana Premier League season, thanks to the playing body and good management. The Kumasi-based side is undefeated in this year's campaign. The success of the two-time African Champions, cannot be written with the inclusion of their leadsman, Seydou Bansey. The 23 year-old forward, formerly of Ebusua Dwarfs ,came under heavy criticism due to failure to deliver in last season's campaign in a large number of games featured for the Porcupine Warriors. The attacker has seen fortunes changed this season, by netting in couple of goals, lifting his side to sit atop of the League log comfortably after Matchday 2. His goal-scoring boots were found, after he scored a goal out of 3 against Medeama SC in the Champion of Champions Cup match. Bansey, further went on to score the winning goal for his side ,when they rallied back from a goal down to beat a resilient Aduana Stars away from home in the Week 1 fixture. Then came the local 'El-Classico' ,where he scored the all important lone goal to see his side mount the top of the league table. Bansey is in red-hot form this season, though early days yet,and is knocking every opposition that comes his way. He looks like the secret weapon unleashed by the 22 times Ghana League Champions, this season. The fans will hope he replicates such fine goalscoring form in their subsequent games starting with New Edubiase and coaches of clubs won't stop putting measures in place to tame this in-form striker.