GFA President Kurt Okraku Addresses Inaki Williams' Retirement as Black Queens Prepare for Olympic Qualifiers

Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has addressed the surprising retirement of striker Inaki Williams from international football, revealing that the Athletic Bilbao star often played through significant physical pain for the Black Stars. Okraku expressed his disappointment, stating that the GFA did not expect the experienced forward to step away from the national team at this stage of his career. This news marks a significant shift for the men's senior team, as they lose a dedicated professional who chose to represent Ghana despite the physical toll it took on his body. On the women’s international stage, the Black Queens are gearing up for the second round of the African qualifiers for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, where they are scheduled to face Mauritius. After receiving a bye in the preliminary round, the Queens will travel to Mauritius for the first leg on October 8, 2026, followed by a return match in Ghana on October 13, 2026. Mauritius secured their spot in this round with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Djibouti. The Black Queens, currently ranked among the top teams in Africa, are aiming for their first-ever Olympic appearance in this cycle. Parallel to these international developments, the domestic 2026 Women’s Premier Super Cup is heading toward its final on September 29. FC Savannah, representing the Northern Zone, earned their place in the final after topping Group A with an unbeaten run, including a decisive 3-0 win over Hasaacas Ladies. They will meet the Southern Zone’s Epiphany Warriors, who finished first in Group B despite a late 2-1 loss to Dreamz Ladies. A third-place match between Hasaacas and Army Ladies is set for September 28. These events collectively highlight a period of transition and high-stakes competition within Ghanaian football. While the GFA manages the fallout of Inaki Williams' retirement from the Black Stars, the focus on the women's game remains intense with both domestic silverware and Olympic qualification on the line. The association's ability to navigate these changes will be critical to maintaining the momentum of the sport across both the men's and women's national programs.