Nana Adarkwa Demands Focus Despite Togo Rout
Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa has urged his players to remain grounded after Ghana’s emphatic 8-0 aggregate win over Togo in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, warning that the scoreline does not reflect the true nature of the contest.
After a 2-0 first-leg win away from home, the Black Maidens completed the job in style with a 6-0 thrashing in Accra to book their place in the next round, where they will face Liberia in May.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Adarkwa insisted Togo offered tougher opposition than the aggregate result suggested.
Togo were not walkovers. The scoreline may make it look easy, but we had to prepare very well and stay focused to win both matches.
Joe Nana Adarkwa
The coach praised his players for their discipline and commitment, especially considering the squad is made up largely of young Division One players, many of whom are still in school.
“This team is dominated by Division One players and most of them are school girls, so what they are doing is commendable. But we have to keep guiding them.”
He revealed that some players were even released from camp to focus on their WASSCE examinations, stressing the importance of balancing football with academics.
“Education is key. Those writing their exams were allowed to go and focus because we want them to succeed beyond football.”
With Liberia next on the horizon, Adarkwa made it clear there will be no celebrations in camp, as the team is set to resume training immediately.
“The girls will return to training on Thursday. There is no break because we have to keep working hard to eliminate Liberia.”
The coach also thanked supporters, particularly GHANSU, for their backing during the victory in Accra.
“The fans were amazing, and GHANSU really supported the girls. We appreciate them.”
For Adarkwa, the mission is far from over, and Ghana’s dominant win over Togo is only the beginning.