Nuamah returns home to Asafo, thanks community for unwavering World Cup support

– Black Stars winger Ernest Nuamah has returned to his hometown of Asafo in the Ashanti Region to personally thank residents for their unwavering support throughout Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The Olympique Lyonnais winger made the emotional homecoming after Ghana’s round of 32 exit in the United States, visiting the very streets where his journey to football’s biggest stage first began.

A Community’s Love

Throughout the tournament, the people of Asafo and the nearby Dadieso community had displayed their pride in the most visible way possible – erecting a large banner along the main street near the bustling Asafo Market. The banner featured Nuamah’s image alongside the message: “Asafo and Dadieso Boys Wishing You Best of Luck”.

For the community, Nuamah’s World Cup journey was never just a personal achievement – it was a source of immense collective pride. Locals gathered in pubs and viewing centres across the area to watch the Black Stars’ matches, cheering their homegrown star as he represented Ghana on football’s grandest stage.

The gesture was particularly poignant given Nuamah’s roots. Born and raised in Asafo on 1 November 2003, the winger was affectionately nicknamed “Asafo Messi” by community members who recognised his exceptional talent from an early age. His journey from the streets of Kumasi to the World Cup has inspired a generation of young footballers in the neighbourhood.

A Remarkable Comeback Story

Nuamah’s World Cup selection was itself a testament to resilience. After spending 391 days away from competitive football and missing 54 matches for club and country due to injury, he fought his way back to full fitness just in time for the tournament.

At the World Cup, he started Ghana’s opening match against Panama and made substitute appearances against Croatia and Colombia. His most memorable contribution came against Croatia in Philadelphia, where he delivered a pinpoint set-piece assist for Derrick Luckassen’s consolation goal.

‘Walking Away With My Head Held High’

Despite Ghana’s round-of-32 exit, Nuamah reflected on the experience with pride rather than disappointment.

“Walking away from the biggest stage in the world with my head held high,” he posted on Instagram. “Proud to represent Ghana at the world’s biggest stage. We fought with everything we had, left our hearts on the field and gave our all to make our nation proud”.

“Although we fell short as warriors, this journey has taught us invaluable lessons that will stay with us forever. Every challenge, every victory, and every setback has shaped us into stronger athletes”.

He added: “A heartfelt thank you to Ghana and to everyone who supported, believed in, and stood by us throughout this journey. Your love and encouragement meant everything”.

What Lies Ahead

Nuamah is currently back home for a brief vacation before returning to France to begin pre-season preparations with Olympique Lyonnais. The Black Stars will return to action in October for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

For now, however, the winger is cherishing time with the community that raised him – a community that never stopped believing in their “Asafo Messi.”