FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Awudu Issaka performed the ceremonial kick-off to officially open the maiden KIVO U-17 Colts Regional Champions Cup at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram on Monday, November 9, 2026.

The former Black Starlets star, who inspired Ghana to win the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Ecuador, was given the honour in recognition of his trailblazing role in youth football and his enduring inspiration to young players across the country.

Issaka, who was joined at the centre by Executive Council Member Samuel Aboabire, Black Starlets Head Coach Kassim Mingle, Director of Coaching Education Dr. Prosper Narteh-Ogum, Michael Fiaduse and George Aflukenyue, received a warm applause from players, officials and fans as he kicked off the competition.

The symbolic kick-off set the tone for an exciting opening day, with the best U-17 colts champions from across the regions battling for early points on the FIFA Pitch and the BetPawa Pitch.

In his brief remarks, Issaka urged the young players to give their best, remain disciplined and dream big, reminding them that the tournament is a platform that can change their lives, just as the U-17 World Cup did for him and his generation.

The competition, proudly sponsored by KIVO with JLAB as supporting sponsor, continues with Matchday 2 on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, and will run until November 15, 2026.

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