A transport of excitement was written all over her face when the stunning news of representing Ghana in Qatar as an Official FIFA Match Ball Carrier (OMBC), was conveyed to her.
Indeed, the 13-year-old Dora Kuukua Nyarko, could not hide her joy – as she was declared the ultimate winner of the KIA-sponsored OMBC competition, after weeks of drills, technical abilities and assessment.
Being selected the only female among 25 other male entrants, the student of Aburaman SHS – who hails from Cape Coast in the Central Region, was also fortunate to be among the six HERO OMBC kids.
Endowed with amazing football skill, Dora will also be sponsored by renowned manufacturing kits-wear ADIDAS.
Excited at the opportunity, she said one of her finest moments is the fact that she would be on the same plane with her single-mother to Doha for the World Cup.
Speaking at her official unveiling ceremony at the Rana Motors head office in Accra fortnight ago, Dora said from the onset, she was reluctant to take part in the competition but the words of her mum got her inspired and she finally gave it a try.
“I was in school when my mum called to inform me of the competition. At first, I did not want to join, but she encouraged me to the extent of seeking permission from my school authorities for me to come and prepare.”
According to the skilful teenager, despite being gifted with the talent to play football, she wanted a platform to showcase her abilities and the OMBC presented itself while she also thought it was the first time Ghana had been selected to be part of the “festival.”
“I wanted to the experience for the world to see my talent and also an opportunity for Ghana to be part as first timers of the OMBC. I can’t wait to see the stars and even my role model Neyamr of Brazil,” she added.
Of course, once the tournament is a month-long duration which ends on December 18, Dora is not in haste to outline her next move.
According to her, it will be one of her biggest wish to ply her trade in the English top-flight for Chelsea Ladies and become a household name for the Black Princesses of Ghana.
Gradually carving a niche for herself with the Ali Royal Ladies Football Club, a colt club in Abura-Dunkwa, Dora believes her dream club will soon scout her as she continues to play consistently.
“I will go back to my team, Ali Royal Ladies, and wait for me dream club to give grant me a scholarship for me to continue my education overseas, while playing as well.”
Meantime, Dora said she would throw her full support behind the Black Stars of Ghana and “I want the team to be in the semi-final to complete my excitement.”
“I guess when that happens, my people will say the team was motivated because of a young Ghanaian girl,” she yarned.
Dora believes hard-work is the success to greatness and advised young female footballers like her not to give up on their dreams but rather be encouraged by her story and always seek God first in all life’s journeys.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be the 22nd edition scheduled to take place in Qatar from Sunday, November 20 to December 18, 2022.
This will be the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world, and the second World Cup held entirely in Asia after the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
