Former AshantiGold SC goalkeeper and Togolese international Nibombe Wake has passed away at the age of 51, after a long illness.
The tragic news was confirmed on Thursday, October 16, 2025, sending waves of sadness across both Togo and Ghana, where he left a lasting legacy during his football career.
Wake remains one of the most celebrated foreign players ever to feature in the Ghana Premier League, particularly for his heroics with AshantiGold in the late 1990s.
Joining the Miners at a time when the club was among Africa’s elite, the Togolese shot-stopper quickly won the hearts of Obuasi fans with his agility, consistency, and remarkable leadership on and off the pitch.
His outstanding performances in the 1997 Ghana Premier League season earned him the prestigious Player of the Year award, making him one of the few goalkeepers in the competition’s history to receive that honour.
That same year, he played a pivotal role in AshantiGold’s remarkable run to the CAF Champions League final, where they narrowly lost to Raja Casablanca of Morocco.
For many in Obuasi, Wake was more than just a goalkeeper - he was a symbol of discipline, passion, and professionalism.
Former teammates and AshantiGold supporters have taken to social media to pay tribute, describing him as “a legend who gave everything for the badge.”
On the international stage, Wake earned 19 caps for the Togo national team (Sparrowhawks) in the 1990s.
He was also the elder brother of Jean-Paul Abalo Nibombe, the current head coach of the national side.
Wake will forever be remembered as one of the finest goalkeepers ever to grace the Ghana Premier League - a true AshantiGold icon whose legacy continues to inspire across borders.
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