Head coach of the Ghana U-17 national team, Prosper Nartey Ogum, has opened up on a personal chapter of his life, revealing how a promising playing career was halted by family expectations.
Speaking candidly, the former Asante Kotoko manager disclosed that his early ambition was to become a professional footballer. However, that dream was cut short due to pressure from home, particularly from his mother, who urged him to prioritize his education.
“I wanted to be a professional footballer, but family pressure, especially from my mother, forced me to stop,” Ogum revealed.
Despite stepping away from the pitch, his talent during his formative years left a lasting impression on peers. In secondary school, he earned the nickname ‘Van Basten’—a nod to Dutch legend Marco van Basten—before later being dubbed ‘Ronaldo Nazário’ in college, in reference to Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário.
Though his playing aspirations were curtailed, Ogum has since carved out a respected career on the touchline, channeling his understanding of the game into coaching. Now at the helm of Ghana’s youth setup, he is tasked with shaping the next generation of talent—perhaps helping others achieve the dream he once held.
