Joe Nana Adarkwa confirms outstanding bonuses for Black Maidens

Joe Nana Adarkwa, the head coach of Ghana’s national under-17 women’s football team, the Black Maidens, has confirmed that the squad is yet to receive their qualification bonuses for reaching the knockout phase of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. This disclosure comes as the team prepares for a critical encounter in the Round of 16, highlighting a lingering financial issue despite the successful payment of other administrative fees.

While the head coach acknowledged that the players have received their daily allowances and per diems during their stay in Morocco, the specific bonuses promised for advancing from the group stage remain outstanding. Coach Adarkwa noted that these unpaid incentives are currently the only financial concern for the team. The management of these payments typically involves the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association, who are responsible for ensuring that national athletes are compensated for meeting performance milestones in international competitions.

The Black Maidens have shown resilience on the field, securing their place among the top 16 teams in the tournament after successful group stage performances. Their next challenge is a high-stakes match against Argentina scheduled for October 28 in Morocco. Despite the distraction of the pending financial arrears, the coaching staff is focused on maintaining the players' morale and ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared to face the South American giants.

The situation brings renewed attention to the ongoing discussions regarding the prompt payment of bonuses for Ghana’s national women’s teams. In recent years, stakeholders in Ghanaian football have frequently called for parity and efficiency in the disbursement of funds to female athletes compared to their male counterparts. As the Black Maidens continue their campaign on the world stage, the resolution of these financial matters is seen as vital for sustaining the team's momentum and focus on achieving a historic finish in the competition.