The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, has received Ghana’s Under-12 rugby team, the Eaglets, following their victorious performance at the Tournoi International Marie Kore Rugby Tournament in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The team, accompanied by the President of Ghana Rugby, Madam Rafatu Inusah, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister on Thursday, February 12, 2026, where they presented the trophy won after defeating teams from Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Togo.
Commending the young athletes, Hon. Kofi Adams praised their discipline, resilience, and commitment, describing the achievement as a strong indication of Ghana’s growing potential in rugby at the grassroots level. He urged the players to remain focused, work hard, and continue to serve as ambassadors of Ghanaian sports.
“We have the talent; what we need are the amenities and infrastructure to nurture and develop rugby further,” the Minister stated, adding that integrating rugby into school sports programmes is key to producing future champions.
Madam Rafatu Inusah used the opportunity to outline some of the challenges faced by the team in their preparation and participation in the tournament, noting that teamwork and determination enabled them to overcome the odds. The team captain also expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing unity and perseverance as the foundation of their success.
The Tournoi International Marie Kore Rugby Tournament brought together youth teams from across West Africa with the aim of promoting rugby development and regional integration. Ghana’s U12 Eaglets emerged champions, defeating host nation Côte d’Ivoire as well as Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Togo to lift the trophy.
Hon. Kofi Adams further acknowledged the funding challenges confronting various sports disciplines but assured the team of government efforts to mobilize resources to support sports development. He advised the players to prioritize their education and maintain discipline both on and off the field. The triumph of the U12 Eaglets marks a significant milestone for Ghana rugby and serves as an inspiration to young athletes across the country.
By: Victoria Kwofie
