Black Starlets head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has shared the motivating team talk that spurred his players to victory over Nigeria in the semifinals of the WAFU B U-17 Championship.
Ghana overcame their West African rivals 2-0 on Tuesday night at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, thanks to first-half goals from Michael Awuli and Robinho Yao Gavi. The result booked the Starlets a place in the final of the competition.
Reflecting on the win in an interview with Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Narteh Ogum revealed how he challenged his players before the crucial encounter.
“I was motivated to play against Nigeria. I spoke to the players and explained to them why we cannot afford to lose against Nigeria,” he said.
“I told them I do not hold their passport to the AFCON, but they rather do and did exactly as we planned.
“A lot of things went through my mind because I was told the plan was to qualify for the AFCON, and achieving the target is something that I am proud of,” he added.
The victory not only sends Ghana into Friday’s final against hosts Côte d’Ivoire—who beat them 3-0 in the group stage—but also secures qualification to the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
It will be the Black Starlets’ first appearance at the continental showpiece since 2017.
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