FIFA paid tribute to two notable Ghanaian football figures the legendary Wilberforce Mfum and devoted supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley during the 75th FIFA Congress held in Asunción, Paraguay, on May 15, 2025.
A solemn minute of silence was observed to honour their contributions to the game, both on and off the field.
Wilberforce Mfum, who passed away on May 11 at the age of 88, was a revered striker and one of Ghana’s greatest football icons.
Born on August 28, 1936, he played a pivotal role in the Black Stars’ historic victory at the 1963 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring crucial goals including in the final.
He also represented Ghana at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo and netted 20 goals in 26 appearances for the national team.
At the club level, Mfum starred for Ghanaian sides Asante Kotoko and Swedru All Blacks before moving to the United States, where he featured for Baltimore Bays and the New York Cosmos during the early years of professional football in America.
Francis Yaw Frimpong, known affectionately as Nana Pooley, was a vibrant member of Asante Kotoko’s Supporters’ Communication Team and a passionate advocate for the club.
He tragically passed away on February 2, 2025, while supporting his beloved team during a Ghana Premier League match against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre.
The recognition by FIFA underscores the global impact and legacy of both individuals, whose commitment to Ghanaian football was remembered with reverence by the international football community.