FIFA held a mournful minute of silence in honour of two prominent figures in Ghanaian football during the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, on May 15.

Among these distinguished figures are legendary footballer Wilberforce Mfum and avid supporter Francis Yaw Frimpong, widely known as Nana Pooley.

Who is Wilberforce Mfum?Wilberforce Mfum was a renowned Ghanaian footballer who made his mark in football history.

He died on May 11 at 88. The celebrated Ghanaian striker played a key role 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 scored 20 goals in 26 appearances for the national team and represented Ghana at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. And on the club level, he played for both Asante Kotoko and Swedru All Blacks, as well as American sides Baltimore Bays and New York Cosmos.

About Nana Pooley

Nana Pooley was an ardent supporter of Asante Kotoko and was a member of the club’s Supporters' Communication Team. He was stabbed to death on February 2, 2025, during a Ghana Premier League match against Nsoatreman FC at Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre.

His death awakened calls for the urgent need to crack down on vandalism and violence in Ghanaian football.

Their dedication and service to Ghanaian football were recognised on the global stage as FIFA delegates observed a moment of silence in their memory.