U-17 WWC: Black Maidens’ qualification bonuses remain unpaid, says Joe Nana Adarkwa

Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa says the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has paid the team’s per diems at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, but their qualification bonuses remain outstanding.

Nana Adarkwa disclosed the development as Ghana prepared to face Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday following a challenging start to their campaign.

Kick-off for the game is scheduled at 18:00 GMT.

According to him, the players’ per diems had been settled but declined to reveal the amount owed to the team for reaching the knockout stage of the tournament.

“In terms of per diems, they have done everything here, but what is left is our qualification bonus from the group stage to the knockout stage of the tournament. That is the only one we are waiting for. Apart from that, everything is okay here,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

The outstanding payments come as the Black Maidens prepare for a crucial encounter against Argentina, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Ghana have a proud history in the competition, having won bronze at the 2012 edition under former head coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani.

The West African side lost to France in the semi-finals before beating Germany in the third-place play-off to secure their best finish at the tournament.

The Black Maidens also reached the quarter-finals in 2014, 2016 and 2018 but subsequently missed several editions before returning to the global competition in 2026.