Omanghana
Ghana Football Association President and CAF Second Vice-President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku has challenged the Black Princesses to end their long wait for a place in the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Okraku delivered the message during a visit to the team’s training camp in Poland ahead of its opening Group C encounter against Ecuador on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Ghana has appeared at seven consecutive editions of the tournament since making its debut in 2010. Despite consistently qualifying for the global competition, the Black Princesses have never advanced beyond the group stage.
Okraku told the players that the 2026 squad had the ability and responsibility to change that record.
“That after seven attempts—this tournament is played every two years, so after 14 years, this is the 16th year now—this group made it out of the group to the knockout stage. And this must happen,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of beginning the competition strongly, describing the opening game against Ecuador as the most significant fixture in establishing momentum for the rest of the group stage.
Okraku said he had personally promised the technical team that he would travel to Poland to support the squad during its first match.
“For me, the first game is the most important because if we start well, chances are that we will do well,” he said.
The GFA president also expressed confidence in the team’s quality ahead of its matches against Ecuador, Korea Republic and France.
“These three nations, believe me, are no better than us,” Okraku told the players. “I believe we have enough quality in this team to win games in this group and to make it to the second round of the competition.”
He praised the players for the sacrifices they had made during qualification and preparations, while commending the technical team for getting the squad ready for the tournament.
Okraku also encouraged the selected players to compete on behalf of teammates who participated in the training program but did not make the final squad.
“A few of you were here but didn’t make the squad and had to leave. This is that moment that you have to make them proud. This is that moment that you have to make them feel happy,” he stated.
The GFA president was accompanied to the training ground by the association’s Chief of Staff, Michael Osekre, and Dreams FC President Jiji Alifoe.
Their visit was intended to demonstrate the association’s support for the players and coaching staff as Ghana prepares to pursue its first appearance in the competition’s knockout stage.
The Black Princesses will begin their campaign against Ecuador on September 6 before facing Korea Republic and France in their remaining Group C fixtures.
The correction from Group F to Group C reflects the GFA’s official tournament information.
Source: Omanghana
