Black Maidens head coach Joe Nana Adarkwa says the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has paid the team’s per diems, but their qualification bonuses remain outstanding ahead of their Round of 16 clash at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Speaking exclusively to Citi Sports on Tuesday, October 27, Adarkwa confirmed that the per diems had been settled but declined to disclose the amount due to the players in qualification bonuses for reaching the knockout stage.

“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 said.

Ghana face Argentina on Wednesday, October 28, in their first meeting at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The Black Maidens have a stronger history in the competition, having won bronze in 2012 under former coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani. They lost to France in the semi-finals before beating Germany in the third-place playoff.

Ghana also reached the quarter-finals in 2014, 2016 and 2018 before missing subsequent editions and returning to the tournament in 2026.

Joe Nana Adarkwa and his players will now look to beat Argentina and secure a quarter-final place as they pursue their first U-17 Women’s World Cup title.