In an emotional tribute to a devoted Asante Kotoko fan, supporters of the Porcupine Warriors and Accra Hearts of Oak set aside their historic rivalry to honour the late Nana Pooley at a solemn night vigil held at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, February 9.
The event brought together not only the fans but also Kotoko’s players, technical team, and management members, all of whom stood in solidarity to mourn one of their own.
Head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum led the Kotoko delegation, while former Black Stars coach and current Sudan head coach, James Kwasi Appiah, was also present to pay his respects.
Nana Pooley, a passionate Kotoko supporter, lost his life in a tragic incident on February 2 when he was fatally stabbed near the Nana Koromansah II Park following Kotoko’s Ghana Premier League match against Nsoatreman FC.
His untimely passing sent shockwaves through Ghana’s football community, prompting calls for justice and better security at match venues.
A week after his passing, Kotoko, the club he adored, organised the night vigil to celebrate his life and bid him farewell. What stood out was the presence of Hearts of Oak fans, who put rivalry aside to show solidarity with their football counterparts.
The atmosphere outside the Baba Yara Sports Stadium was a blend of sorrow and unity. Fans, draped in red, yellow, and blue, gathered with candles in hand, their chants and songs echoing through the night.
In a moving display, Porcupine Tertiary, Kotoko’s university supporters’ wing, led morale-boosting jama songs, with Hearts of Oak fans enthusiastically joining in.
Pooley had been a key figure in these morale sessions, never missing a chance to lead the chants. Even on his wedding day, just seven months before his tragic death, he had broken into a jama session, much to the amusement of his wife, Yaa Gifty, and wedding guests.
His loss leaves a deep void, but the unity displayed at the vigil was a testament to the impact he had on Ghanaian football. As the football community continues to seek justice, one thing remains certain—Pooley’s infectious spirit and unwavering passion for the game will not be forgotten.
