Pride and celebration filled the board room of Football House in Kanifing on Thursday as the victorious Gambia U-17 national team, the Baby Scorplings, alongside their technical staff, received their Two Million Dalasi (D2,000,000.00) reward from President Adama Barrow.
The brief, yet heartfelt ceremony, marked a fitting culmination to the team’s historic triumph at the recent WAFU-A U-17 Championship, where the young Gambians rewrote the regional football script. The Scorplings captured the regional crown after securing a landmark victory over neighbors Senegal in the final. For years, Senegal had proven a stubborn hurdle for Gambian youth sides, making the gritty, disciplined display in the championship decider all the more memorable for fans back home.
Presiding over Thursday’s presentation, GFF First Vice President Mr. Muhamadou Momodou Jagana praised President Barrow for fulfilling his pledge and continually investing in the nation’s youth. Addressing the young players directly, Mr. Jagana emphasised that the financial reward was earned through sweat, character, and national pride.
“This gesture is a testament to the discipline and pride you carry whenever you wear our national colours,” Mr. Jagana said. He further urged the youngsters to remain grounded and maintain their focus as they prepare to carry the nation’s hopes back onto the global stage, echoing the country’s proud heritage at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Also speaking at the event, GFF Third Vice President and Head of Delegation Mr. Demba Conateh extended deep appreciation to the parents for entrusting their sons to the Federation during the tournament. While thanking the President for the morale-boosting bonus, Mr. Conateh reminded the squad that their toughest test still lies ahead. He challenged the players to double their efforts in training, noting that the upcoming continental showpiece will demand an even higher level of intensity and preparation than the regional qualifiers.
That bigger stage is the 2027 TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Having clinched the WAFU-A title, the Scorplings have booked their ticket to compete among Africa’s elite youth sides. The tournament in Morocco will not only decide the continental champions, but will also serve as Africa’s qualifying pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup—a stage The Gambia famously conquered in 2005 and 2009.
Bringing a warm, human touch to the morning, Mrs. Mabinta Dampha delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the players’ parents. Speaking with visible pride, she expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for his generosity, as well as to the GFF leadership, the coaching staff, and the backroom team for nurturing and taking care of the boys throughout their journey. She noted that the young athletes have united the country and made the entire nation proud.
As the Baby Scorpions leave Football House with their well-earned rewards, the message from Banjul to Kanifing is clear: the regional battle has been won, and the road to Morocco 2027 has officially begun.
