VIDEO: See the wooden structure former Black Queens goalie Memunatu Sulemana is staying in

Memunatu Sulemana, once a celebrated goalkeeper for the Ghanaian women’s national football team, now finds herself in a dire and distressing situation. This former football star, who was an integral part of Ghana’s golden generation in women’s football, resides in a makeshift wooden kiosk in the Kaneshie suburb of Accra, Ghana.

Sulemana’s remarkable journey in the world of football intertwined with the careers of renowned players, including Adjoa Bayor, Alerta Sackey, and Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo, among others. She proudly represented her country in FIFA World Cup tournaments, leaving a lasting legacy in Ghana’s women’s football history.

However, despite her impressive accomplishments on the field, Sulemana’s life has taken a tragic turn. Her current living situation involves a rudimentary shelter made partly from wood and an old advertising banner. This flimsy structure offers minimal protection, especially during Ghana’s rainy season.

While many of her contemporaries have transitioned into various professions post-retirement, Memunatu Sulemana, now 45 years old, is grappling with severe poverty. In an interview with Original TV, she candidly shared the challenges she faces. Despite earning income from her football career, a significant portion of her resources went toward caring for her grandmother, who battled diabetes and required costly medical attention.

Before her current predicament, Sulemana remained dedicated to the sport, serving as the goalkeeper’s trainer for the Black Maidens of Ghana. This demonstrates her enduring love for football, even in the face of personal adversity.

Memunatu Sulemana’s story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of success and the importance of support systems for athletes, especially after retirement. As Ghana celebrates its football heroes, it is also crucial to address the challenges they may face once the spotlight fades.