Sports
Mensah Wants Contract Extension At French Side
Former Sunderland defender, John Mensah has said that he is keen to get an extended run of football at French side Rennes after overcoming his injury woes.
Mensah’s career has been dogged by persistent injury that has cost him the Ghana captaincy and his place in the Black Stars squad.
Similar setbacks cost him a permanent deal at English side Sunderland and led to a contract termination at parent club Lyon last summer.
He rejoined Stade Rennes in January.
“For now I am not thinking of the national team, I know if I get to play regularly with Rennes, I could get a chance to return for Ghana”
Now, the 30-year-old is focused on breaking into the first team.
“I was a bit unlucky with injuries and spent a bit of time out of the game,” Mensah told Tidesports source in France.
“It’s difficult when you come back from a long injury; it’s very hard because you are afraid of suffering another setback.
“Sometimes I get frustrated, but what else can I do? Injury is part of football so there is nothing I can do.
“There were hard moments with the doctors and physios – but those tough days are well behind me.
“Right now I’m fully fit but I need games to regain my confidence and a place in the squad.
“It’s tough because the regular players are doing well. It hasn’t been easy but I understand how difficult it is for the manager as well.”
Mensah is now three months into a six month deal, and is hoping to extend his stay at the club he captained in 2008.
“They know what I’m capable of doing when I’m fit and on the pitch from my previous stay here,” he said.
“I got the chance to come here. I hope I’ll also get the chance to play and prove my injury days are well behind me.
Nicknamed ‘the Rock of Gibraltar’ in his native Ghana on account of his reliability in defence, and a firm favourite with the Sunderland faithful, Mensah is looking back at his best days for motivation.
“At Sunderland I put in a great performance, same at Lyon. I thank God that what I did in England is still being appreciated by the fans.
“For now I am not thinking of the national team, I know if I get to play regularly with Rennes, I could get a chance to return for Ghana.
“Some people expected me back as the captain but realistically, I need to earn my return with regular action and full fitness to be recalled.”
The former Ghana captain spent six years in Italy before moving to France in January 2006.
He played 67 games for Lyon between 2008 and 2012.
Mensah has 82 Ghana caps but did not make the squad for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
-
Sports3 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports3 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports3 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports3 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Editorial3 days agoBeyond Accessing Bonny By Road
-
Sports3 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports3 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba