"Football has shaped me to find myself, my identity as a woman and as a footballer. It has taught me about life and how to embrace opportunities. It gave me an opportunity to go to college and because of that, I want to be an inspiration to young girls in Ghana. I want them to dream that it is possible to make it, to play with the best in the world."

"Football has provided me with a platform to meet important people and play with and against the best of the best. These are opportunities that I do not take for granted."

"I give back to the community, to the young ones especially those that never had an opportunity to have mentorship. We give them boots and this alone can change their lives. We have so many partners that come on board to donate and this has been important to us."

"I love DC [Washington DC] because the people are very respectful, a predominantly Black community gives a feeling of home. You will see so many Ghanaians, Ugandans, Ethiopians basically, you will see people who are the same. People who will take you as a sister and make sure that you do not feel out of place."

"I make sure I have enough protein, carbs, and healthy fat in all my nutrition. And constantly reminding myself of what to put in my body because the work we do requires us to be in good shape all the time."

"I would say trust the process, be able to learn about the product and what works for you. And also give yourself the chance to start something new."

"Growing up as a young girl, it seemed impossible to do things that men do."

"Every single player, be it a man or a woman, does the same job. We put in the same amount of time, the same amount of work. They give everything they got on the field, and they inspire on and off the field. It’s clear that they have to be paid or treated in the same way."

"Soccer is a huge sport and all the boys and girls play that. But in our culture it seems like it is only for men. My family and friends, everybody would be like You have to be in the kitchen."

"I never felt that’s what I was born to do. I could do more than that, so that is something that I always wanted to change."

"But in this world right now, it’s different. Men get everything they want, women get less. If we ask for more, it looks as if we ask for too much."

"It will be fair if women are paid the same, treated the same, respected the same and given the same platform."

"I remember the days when they said We cannot break that cycle. I now feel like we can break that cycle. Playing soccer isn’t only for men, it is for all young players, boys and girls. I’m glad that things are now changing."

"When I was young, there were good players in Africa, but we didn’t see them on TV."

"I felt like this is where I belong. This is where I wanna be for so long and watching them play the way they played, witnessing that, I was like no, this is where I wanna be."

"Where I grew up, when you’re a kid, everybody, especially the older people when they see you play, they call on you based on the player that they think best fits your style. When I was like, eight or nine years old, Kaka was my role model. I always loved watching him play for AC Milan, and Brazil. So, one day I was playing with the boys and I needed a name to play. There was this old man who was sitting right next to the field and he was like, ‘Oh, you’re like Kaka from Brazil.’ Pretty much from then on I was Jen Kaka."

"It’s been my dream to be a professional soccer player."

"I’ve been learning the path to success is not just one straight line. There are a lot of ups and downs, and most people don’t see the downs."

"Every day I wake up and it feels like I’m still dreaming."

"No matter how [much] people would say ‘you’re a good player, you’re a great player,’ you always wanted that validation for yourself, feeling like I actually did it."

"We’ve worked so hard, and now we’re just one step away from the final. That means everything."

"Some of the younger players bring so much energy to the team. It lifts us."

"Where I am and where I want to be is a little bit far... I always stay positive. If it happens I could make it one day. That is the dream and I will forever be grateful."

"We don’t really care about their World ranking as I know we can match them. We are going to play as a team and I know at the end of the day we are going to achieve what we deserve."

"We respect our opponents, but we also know what we bring to the table."

"I’ve been through a lot going to school in a foreign country. Had to do jobs on the side to pay for my expenses. In the end it was really worth it."

"It’s very important. When I check my social media, I see people who post about me and send encouraging messages. We definitely inspire many, especially the young ones who dream of playing for Ghana one day."

"Never been interested in any other sports. My parents were really supportive. My parents are very educated so they know the value of combining education with sports. My dad bought all the necessary things I needed to play."

"Whatever it takes to keep myself in top shape, I’m ready to do it."

"My message is simple: keep supporting us, keep praying for us. We promise to give our best and bring the trophy home. Thank you."

"Every team at the AFCON has earned their place, so each game will be tough. But we have belief in ourselves and what we bring to the competition."

"It’s very important to lead by example through my work. I always make myself available to the younger ones in case they need support. We live together like a family, and sometimes it’s hard to even tell who’s new or old."

"I always want to give my best for the national team because I love Ghana and our fans are amazing. They deserve our very best."

"Sometimes you will lose, sometimes too you will win but I think we can build on the positives from now."

"It’s always a great feeling to represent your country."

"WAFCON is the biggest women’s football competition in Africa. It’s always a great opportunity to play on such a huge stage, and I’m super excited to represent Ghana again."

"Out of so many female footballers, to be chosen to play at such a big tournament is a huge honour. Women’s football is loved by many, and we know a lot of people will be watching us."

"In the previous squads, I was one of the youngest and had the chance to learn a lot from the experienced players. Now, I’m one of the oldest and the longest-serving, so I’ve taken on the responsibility of mentoring the younger ones, which I really enjoy."

"Ghana is blessed with a lot of female talent, and that remains consistent."

"I believe in my teammates and the work we’ve done in training. Our preparation, our coaches and our belief will push us forward."

"As a footballer you need to be tough in everything so I will say I am thankful to God for how far He has brought me, I am so excited to be back."

"My first thought was … to make Ghana be spoken about in a very, very good light in women’s football."

"This is amazing. I can remember way back when we couldn't make it, but last season we went to the WAFCON, we made an impact and lucky for us, here we are today."

"Not my finest tournament, but still a memorable one!"

"I'm looking forward to doing my best every day on the field to serve the country."

"I’m grateful we managed to secure the bronze medal in my AWCON debut. I apologize to my fans for not quite living up to expectations I know I’m capable of more, and I promise to bounce back stronger."

"It’s been a hectic year and a half, but I’ve learned an incredible amount about myself, become more mature, and gained a patience I perhaps didn’t have before."

"I have a huge desire to come back and play and to become even better than I was when I left. I’ve come back to stay, and I feel a great sense of calm and patience."

"That’s why I also associate it with family and togetherness, and that’s what I need right now."

"To those who supported me through the ups and downs, thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Your words kept me going, and I’m honored to have such a loyal fanbase."