According to a report by Citi FM on Saturday October 17, 2026, Ghana’s national female U-17 football team, the Black Maidens, have announced their final squad for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with head coach Nana Joe Adarkwa assembling a group of promising young talents to represent the country on the international stage.

The announcement, reported by Starr FM, marks a significant step in Ghana’s preparations for the tournament, which brings together some of the most talented young female footballers from across the world.

The Black Maidens will begin their Group C campaign against Norway on Sunday, October 18, before facing Brazil and Canada in what promises to be a demanding test of their abilities.

The team will be hoping to make a strong impression and progress beyond the group stage as they seek to restore Ghana’s reputation in the global youth women’s football competition.

According to the squad announcement, the team consists of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards selected to provide balance across the various departments.

The final selection combines young players with international tournament ambitions and emerging talents who have been given an opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level of youth football.

One of the major talking points surrounding the squad is the return of forward Jessica Appiah Asamoah, who has recovered from injury and is expected to strengthen the team’s attacking options.

Her availability provides the technical team with an additional option as Ghana prepare to compete against some of the strongest sides in their group.

The goalkeeping department will be manned by Belinda Maku Aklie, Rahima Abubakari Napari and Josephine Nyanufule, who will compete for opportunities to guard Ghana’s goal during the competition.

In defence, Adarkwa has selected Matilda Abu Bonsra Amoah, Hajara Adam, Latifa Musah, Mavis Koah, Rafia Osman, Juliana Gyekyewaa and Seraphina Essenam Esse.

The defenders will be expected to maintain a disciplined backline and help the team withstand pressure from opponents with considerable attacking quality.

Ghana’s midfield options include Belinda Kpentey, Christiana Ashiaku, Benedicta Danso Nketiah, Seidatu Wahab, Zeinab Shani and Sekinatu Amadu.

Their performances will be crucial in determining how effectively the Black Maidens control possession, connect defence with attack and create scoring opportunities.

The attacking department features Priscilla Mensah, Linda Achiaa, Jessica Appiah Asamoah, Cynthia Obinsrewuo and Gloria A. Adomako.

These forwards will carry the responsibility of converting chances and providing the goals Ghana will need to compete against their Group C opponents.

The squad also reflects Ghana’s investment in developing young footballers, with three players promoted from the national U-15 setup: Christiana Ashiaku, Mavis Koah and Belinda Kpentey.

Their inclusion offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience at a higher competitive level while contributing to the team’s World Cup ambitions.

The Black Maidens have been drawn in Group C alongside Norway, Brazil and Canada, leaving the team with a challenging route through the opening phase of the tournament.

Ghana are scheduled to open their campaign against Norway on Sunday, October 18, at 6:00 p.m. local tournament time at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.

They will then face Brazil before completing their group-stage fixtures against Canada on October 24.

The matches will test the team’s tactical discipline, physical readiness and ability to perform under pressure. A strong start against Norway could prove important in building confidence before the subsequent encounters against Brazil and Canada.

For Adarkwa and his technical team, the immediate task will be to ensure the selected players understand their roles, maintain their concentration throughout each match and take advantage of opportunities in front of goal.

The tournament also offers a platform for the young footballers to attract international attention and demonstrate the quality of Ghanaian women’s football.

Strong performances could help strengthen the country’s standing in youth football while inspiring the next generation of female players.

With the final squad now confirmed, attention shifts to the opening match and Ghana’s efforts to make a successful return to the global competition after missing the previous two editions.

The Black Maidens will be determined to make their participation count and give Ghanaians reason to celebrate.