Ghanaian football has been rocked by a tragic act of violence following the fatal stabbing of Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Nana Pooley, a member of Asante Kotoko’s Supporters’ Communication Team. The incident occurred during a Ghana Premier League Match week 19 encounter between Asante Kotoko and Nsoatreman FC at Nana Kromansah Park in Nsoatre on February 2, 2025.
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The 32-year-old, who recently married his longtime girlfriend in December 2024, was attacked amidst chaotic scenes in the second half of the match. He was rushed to Sunyani Regional Hospital but succumbed to multiple stab wounds. Asante Kotoko has strongly condemned the attack, calling for urgent measures to curb the rising tide of hooliganism in Ghanaian football.
According to an official club statement, Asante Kotoko players and staff faced hostility upon their arrival at the stadium. Reports indicate that home supporters provoked clashes, leading to missiles being thrown at the Kotoko bench. The club’s Head of Media sustained a severe ear injury in the fracas.
Tensions escalated further during the game when unidentified assailants attacked Nana Pooley. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as security personnel struggled to contain the violence.
In response to the tragedy, Asante Kotoko issued a strongly worded statement, expressing grief and demanding accountability. The club:
- Condemned the “barbaric acts” that led to Nana Pooley’s death.
- Highlighted pre-match intimidation and confrontations with home fans.
- Urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and security agencies to implement stricter stadium safety measures.
“We call on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of players, officials, and supporters. Football must never be a battlefield,” the statement read.
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Friends and colleagues described Nana Pooley as a “dedicated family man” who balanced his love for football with his responsibilities as a husband and community member.
This tragic incident underscores persistent issues plaguing Ghana’s football culture, including:
- Security Lapses – Inadequate crowd control and insufficient weapon checks at stadiums.
- Tribalism & Fan Hostility – Growing tensions between rival supporters fueling violence.
- Governance Gaps – Weak enforcement of GFA’s anti-hooliganism policies.
Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan took to social media, lamenting: “This is heartbreaking. We must protect the beautiful game from becoming a death trap.”
The tragic event has sparked widespread calls for reform:
- GFA Investigation – Fans demand a transparent probe into the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
- Stadium Bans – There are petitions to bar Nana Kromansah Park from hosting future matches.
- Legacy Fund – Proposals have emerged to establish a safety initiative in Nana Pooley’s name to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Asante Kotoko and the nation mourn the loss of Nana Pooley, his death serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms in Ghanaian football. The pressing question remains: Will the sport continue to be marred by violence, or will this tragedy serve as a catalyst for transformation and unity?