FIFA observes minute of silence in honour of Wilberforce Mfum and Nana Pooley
FIFA held a solemn minute of silence during the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, on May 15, 2025, to honour two distinguished figures in Ghanaian football: legendary footballer Wilberforce Mfum and avid supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, widely known as Nana Pooley.
Wilberforce Mfum, who passed away on May 11 at 88, was a celebrated Ghanaian striker and a key figure in the Black Stars’ historic 1963 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Born on August 28, 1936, Mfum scored crucial goals in that tournament, including in the final.
He registered 20 goals in 26 appearances for the national team and represented Ghana at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. His club career saw him feature for Asante Kotoko and Swedru All Blacks, as well as American sides Baltimore Bays and New York Cosmos.
Nana Pooley was a passionate supporter of Asante Kotoko and was a member of the club’s Supporters’ Communication Team. He tragically lost his life on February 2, 2025, during a Ghana Premier League match against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre.
Their dedication and service to Ghanaian football were recognised on the global stage as FIFA delegates observed a moment of silence in their memory.