Ghana’s U-17 female national team, the Black Maidens, have received a timely boost from Ghana’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Alhassan Abu, ahead of their second match at the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup.
Ambassador Abu paid a morale-boosting visit to Joe Nana Adarkwah’s side as they prepare to return to action against Nigeria on Friday, September 18.
He congratulated the team on their impressive opening performance, urging the players to build on their strong start as they continue their quest to defend Ghana’s title.
The Black Maidens began their campaign in emphatic fashion, recording a 4-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
The result gave Ghana an early statement of intent in the competition, with Adarkwah’s players now turning their attention to a potentially demanding encounter against regional rivals Nigeria.
During his interaction with the squad, Ambassador Abu stressed the importance of approaching every fixture with the same level of seriousness, making it clear that Ghana’s objective should be to go all the way. “Take every match seriously because you are here to win,” he told the players.
Ambassador Emphasises Teamwork and National Responsibility
Beyond the immediate objective of winning matches, Ambassador Abu reminded the young players that their participation carries significance beyond the football pitch.
He described the Black Maidens as ambassadors of Ghana and encouraged them to recognise the responsibility that comes with representing the country on an international stage.
He also used the visit to highlight the role football can play in strengthening Ghana’s image and relationships abroad, framing the team’s participation as part of the broader concept of sports diplomacy.
According to the Ambassador, success will require more than individual brilliance. He called on the players to remain united and prioritise the collective objective over personal recognition.
“The credit isn’t for the coach only, but for everyone, including those who are not here with us,” he said, stressing the importance of selflessness within the squad.
His message comes at a crucial point in Ghana’s campaign, with the Nigeria fixture providing another opportunity for Adarkwah’s team to demonstrate the qualities that produced their convincing opening-day victory.
Black Maidens Turn Focus to Nigeria
Ghana will face Nigeria at the Lycee Scientifique on Friday at 6:00pm after the tournament schedule was updated.
The encounter will test whether the Black Maidens can maintain the momentum generated by their four-goal opening victory while taking another step towards retaining the trophy they won in the previous edition on home soil.
Ambassador Abu also offered practical support to the delegation, presenting boxes of water, drinks and fruits to help boost the team’s welfare during the tournament.
His visit provided an additional show of support for the young players as they prepare for one of the competition’s key fixtures.
With the defending champions now facing Nigeria, Adarkwah’s side will be looking to combine the confidence from their Burkina Faso win with the discipline and collective approach encouraged by the Ambassador.
A victory would strengthen Ghana’s position in the competition and keep the Black Maidens firmly on course for another successful WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup campaign.
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