Leader of the New Force Movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, and known as ‘Cheddar’, has lauded Nico Williams and Kobbie Mainoo, both of Ghanaian descent, for their standout performances in the recently concluded 2024 Euros tournament.
Describing them as proud representatives of Ghana, Nana Kwame Bediako congratulated Nico Williams on Spain’s championship win and expressed solidarity with Kobbie Mainoo, who played for England in the final on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Nana Bediako underscored that the achievements of Williams and Mainoo highlight the exceptional talent among Ghanaians, despite facing challenges in accessing opportunities.
He called on the government to prioritize creating pathways for local talents to succeed, akin to those available to their counterparts in the diaspora.
“Congratulations to Spain and Nico Williams for winning the Euros and commiserations to Kobbie Mainoo. These two young men are sons of the Ghanaian nation.
“The story of their families is a testament to the success Ghanaians can achieve when given opportunities. From overcoming the challenges of immigration to representing their countries on the world stage, they exemplify humility, courage, and an unwavering hunger for success.
As a nation, we must strive to provide our youth at home with the same opportunities available to the diaspora. Power and success to the Ghanaian youth,” he wrote.
Nico Williams played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory, scoring a crucial goal in their 2-1 triumph in the final and receiving the man-of-the-match award for the second time in the tournament.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo delivered a strong 70-minute performance in the final, establishing himself as one of England’s standout players throughout the competition.