Monday, February 2, 2026, marks exactly one year since the heartbreaking death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, fondly known as Nana Pooley, one of Asante Kotoko’s most devoted supporters.
A passionate follower of the game, his passing remains one of the darkest chapters in modern Ghanaian football.
Nana Pooley was allegedly stabbed during a Ghana Premier League match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko at Nana Koramansa Park in Nsoatre on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
The attack reportedly followed escalating tensions between fans of both teams, with the home side ultimately winning 1-0. Eyewitness accounts, along with police and court documents, indicate that Pooley was attacked outside the stadium by one Daniel Febiri, after which his lifeless body was allegedly left inside the venue.
Exactly a year ago today. A staunch fan of local football and Asante Kotoko fan, Pooley was assassinated while he went to watch a Ghana Premier League game between Nsoatreman FC and Kotoko in Nsoatre.
Your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/UUpswfvv3i
— CAPO DE SUPREMO ⚽️🔥 (@CapoDeSupremo) February 2, 2026
A year later, Febiri remains at large, and legal proceedings are ongoing in the pursuit of justice for the late Kotoko supporter. The continued failure to apprehend the suspect has intensified the grief felt by Pooley’s family, friends, and GFA President Kurt E.S Okraku.
More than just a fan, Nana Pooley was a constant presence at Kotoko matches nationwide, admired for his loyalty, passion, and unwavering support for the Porcupine Warriors. His death sent shockwaves through Ghanaian football and reignited urgent concerns over safety and security at match venues, as highlighted by the BBC.
Nana Pooley’s death: Aftermath and reforms
In the immediate aftermath, the GFA temporarily suspended the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League while the Ghana Police Service investigated the incident. The suspension was widely regarded as a crucial step in addressing the growing problem of fan violence.
The league resumed in March 2025 after extensive stakeholder consultations, with Bibiani Gold Stars ultimately claiming their first-ever league title. Despite this, the season remained overshadowed by the loss of Nana Pooley.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, representatives of the GFA and all 18 Premier League clubs convened at the GFA Secretariat, agreeing to implement Enhanced Matchday Safety and Security Protocols, as confirmed on the GFA’s official website.
These measures aim to set minimum safety standards and clearly outline the responsibilities of match organisers, officials, and participants before, during, and after games.
Wow, Pooley eiiii. He was weeding the back of Kotoko Clubhouse. Listen carefully to him, he said “Yɛbɔ adwuma ama team no”. Rest well Legend.
Something monumental should be done to honour the life of this beautiful man. He lived for Kotoko and died for Kotoko. How many of us… pic.twitter.com/ZRF0YVOzCD
— The Asante Nation (@Asante_nation) February 13, 2025
Calls for justice for Nana Pooley
In an exclusive interview with Ghana Sports Market, renowned Kotoko supporter Ebenezer “Asasewura” Owusu expressed profound disappointment that justice has yet to be served.
“It is very painful that after all this time, the person accused of killing Pooley has not been arrested. We lost a brother, a true Kotoko man, and until justice is done, the wound will not heal,” Owusu said.
He added that Nana Pooley’s death should be a turning point for Ghanaian football, urging authorities to ensure that fans can attend matches without fear for their safety.
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