Hon. Edem Agbana sends clear message to Ghana U-17 boys as youth AFCON Kicks-off in Morocco

The 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations officially kicks off today in Rabat, Morocco, with football fans across the continent turning their attention to the future stars of African football. Ghana’s Black Starlets return to the prestigious tournament after nearly a decade away, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see the revival of its rich youth football tradition. The competition is expected to showcase some of Africa’s brightest young talents while also serving as a crucial pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Member of Parliament for Ketu North Constituency and President of Nukunu Sports Academy, Eric Edem Agbana, has expressed confidence in the current Black Starlets squad ahead of their opening fixture against Algeria. According to him, the technical team led by Coach Dr. Prosper Ogum has done a remarkable job assembling a talented and competitive side capable of making Ghana proud on the continental stage. As a grassroots football advocate and club owner, he noted that he has closely monitored the progress of the team and believes the players possess the quality needed to compete at the highest level.

Ghana’s last appearance at the U-17 AFCON was in 2017, a tournament that produced several players who have gone on to become household names in Ghanaian football. Talents such as Mohammed Kudus, Eric Ayiah, Danlad Ibrahim, Richard Danso, and Emmanuel Toku all emerged from that generation and have continued to inspire young footballers across the country. Their success remains a strong reminder of the importance of investing in youth football development and nurturing talent from the grassroots level.

The tournament in Morocco also doubles as the qualification route for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, with ten African nations expected to secure qualification slots. Hon. Agbana stated that it is his prayer that the Black Starlets will not only qualify for the mundial but also go on to win the continental trophy for Ghana. He emphasized that such an achievement would reignite belief in grassroots football and encourage greater investment in sports development across communities in the country.

He further stressed that success at the youth level sends a powerful message about the importance of identifying and supporting young talents early. According to him, Ghana has always possessed enormous football potential, and tournaments like the U-17 AFCON provide the perfect platform for the next generation to shine. Hon. Agbana concluded by wishing the Black Starlets the very best as they prepare to face Algeria, expressing optimism that the team can restore Ghana’s glory in African youth football.