Opoku Sampene recounts Black Stars' reward from Rawlings after 1983 win over Nigeria

Ghanaian football legend Philip Opoku Sampene has shared an intriguing story about former President Jerry John Rawlings rewarding the Black Stars with a half-piece cloth after their 1-0 victory over Nigeria’s Green Eagles in a 1983 friendly.

Speaking to Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Sampene recalled that Rawlings was impressed by the team's performance in Kaduna and showed his appreciation through the unexpected gift.

He credited coach Emmanuel Kwesi Afranie for giving him the opportunity, which proved to be a turning point in his career.

Sampene, wearing the number 8 jersey, delivered a strong midfield display to help Ghana win. However, Nigeria avenged the defeat in the return leg, beating Ghana 2-1.