Ghana’s Black Starlets coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum has provided insight into the formula behind his team’s 2-0 semi final triumph over Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets. According to Ogum, the victory resulted from a blend of careful tactical planning and a strong mentality to overcome a familiar and formidable foe.
Ogum disclosed that Ghana’s coaching team targeted Nigeria’s captain, aiming to limit his influence on the game. In doing so, they hoped to disrupt Nigeria’s rhythm and reduce creative outlets. The coach also asserted that mental preparation was crucial: he says the players were drilled to remain focused for the full 90 minutes, and to avoid conceding early due to sloppy mistakes—a problem Ghana had faced in earlier matches.
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He underlined that their approach was borne out of pragmatism rather than flair—emphasising structure, discipline, and game awareness over aesthetics. Ogum praised his side’s composure under pressure, especially given that both goals came in the first half, when Nigeria might have been expected to dominate momentum.
Looking forward to the final, Ogum remarked that Ghana would be a “different” team against Côte d’Ivoire. He suggested adjustments would be made tactically, and that mentality, character, and structural tweaks would help prevent a repeat of their 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in the group stage.
Notably, Ghana’s progression to the WAFU final also secures them one of the two slots allocated to WAFU-B for the 2026 U-17 AFCON in Morocco.
Thus, Ogum’s reflections highlight both chess-level planning and psychological readiness as key drivers of Ghana’s success.
