The family of former Ghana U-17 World Cup-winning defender Kofi Nimo is enduring heartbreak and frustration after Ridge Hospital in Accra reportedly refused to release his body due to unpaid medical bills.

Nimo, who was a key member of Ghana’s Black Starlets team that clinched the nation’s first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1991, passed away on September 3, 2025, at the age of 51, following a prolonged illness.

His passing has reignited conversations about the plight of retired African footballers, many of whom struggle financially after their playing days despite their immense contributions to the sport’s growth on the continent.

According to his family, the accumulated hospital bills have made it impossible to retrieve his body for burial.

Speaking to ghpage.com, Nimo’s son expressed deep frustration over the lack of support from the football community despite reaching out to various stakeholders.

“I have reached out to some people within the GFA and former players, but I am yet to hear from them. I just want to give my father a decent burial,” he said.

So far, the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is reported to be the only body that has offered financial support to the grieving family, providing a cash donation to help alleviate part of their burden.

Kofi Nimo is fondly remembered for his solid defensive displays and leadership during Ghana’s golden era of youth football, helping the Black Starlets secure their historic triumph in Italy more than three decades ago.

The late defender’s family is now appealing to the public, football authorities, and benevolent individuals to come to their aid by settling the outstanding hospital bills, allowing Nimo to be laid to rest with the dignity befitting a national hero.