Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee and MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has heaped glowing praise on Black Queens captain Portia Boakye for her outstanding performances and inspirational leadership at the just-ended 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where Ghana secured a historic bronze medal.
Portia, who hails from Pankrono, a town in the Old Tafo Constituency represented by Assafuah, played every minute of the tournament and anchored the defense with composure, grit, and tactical intelligence. Her consistent displays did not go unnoticed, earning her a well-deserved place in CAF’s Combined XI of the Tournament—cementing her status as one of Africa’s elite female defenders.
Speaking exclusively to ABC Sports following the Black Queens’ return to Ghana, Assafuah described the veteran defender as a “prolific centre-back” whose performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of exemplary. “She is a defender who can be left alone to mark two strikers at the same time. She reads the game so well, stays calm under pressure, and goes into duels without hesitation. Hardly did she put a foot wrong throughout the tournament,” he said.
According to the MP, Portia Boakye’s leadership on the pitch and influence in the dressing room were critical to Ghana’s success in Morocco. “I’m glad she played an instrumental role in the team’s success. She didn’t just defend; she led from the back, marshaling the defense and inspiring the team with her work ethic,” he added.
In a bold and complimentary assertion, Assafuah claimed that Portia Boakye’s quality is so high that she could hold her own even in the men’s national team. “With the kind of calmness and tactical awareness she displayed, I dare say she could play for the Black Stars comfortably,” he stated.
The MP further encouraged Boakye to remain focused and committed to her craft, insisting that the defender has the potential to reach even greater heights in her career. “Portia has a great future ahead of her. She must stay grounded and keep pushing. With her talent and discipline, the sky is only the beginning,” he concluded.
Portia Boakye’s recognition by CAF caps off a remarkable journey for the veteran defender, who has remained a mainstay in the national team for over a decade. Her WAFCON heroics have not only won her accolades but have also inspired a generation of young female footballers across Ghana.
