Stories and facts
Baba Yara, whose real name was Osman Seidu, was more than just a football player; he was an icon in Ghanaian sports. His journey began with a simple nickname – "Baba." Born as Osman Seidu Maada, he inherited his moniker from his mother after a striking incident. While playing football and hitting the ball hard against a wall, his mother, seated behind that very wall, exclaimed, "Ei, Baba Yara!" The nickname "Baba Yara" stuck with him for life.
Baba Yara's journey into the world of sports began with horse racing. As a young boy, he was a horse jockey player at the Accra Turf Club from 1950 to 1955, laying the foundation for a remarkable sporting career that would follow.
Baba Yara's club career was illustrious, with Kumasi Asante Kotoko in Ghana being the platform where he showcased his incredible talent. His journey with Asante Kotoko commenced in 1955, and three months later, he made his debut in a match against Dunkwa Town IX, a game that ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. What made this performance remarkable was that Yara managed to score all three of Asante Kotoko's goals, marking the beginning of a legendary career.
It was during the match against the formidable Hearts of Oak of Accra that Baba Yara made the switch to playing as a right-winger, donning the iconic number 7 shirt. Although the match ended in a 0-0 draw, Yara's excellence on the field signified a new era of success for Asante Kotoko in their encounters with Hearts of Oak.
For two consecutive years, in 1959 and 1960, Baba Yara was honored with the unofficial Ghana Player of the Year award, underscoring his influence on the game.
In the early 1960s, President Nkrumah, recognizing the need for a formidable national team, tasked the influential Ghanaian sports chief, Ohene Djan, to assemble a team comprising the best players from various clubs in the country. The result was the birth of the Real Republicans, a virtually unbeatable team that achieved remarkable success both domestically and on the continental stage.
During this period, Baba Yara formed a formidable partnership with one of Africa's greatest goalscorers, Edward Acquah. Yara's role in supplying Acquah with scoring opportunities was pivotal. However, tragedy struck while he was at the peak of his career. A car accident abruptly ended Baba Yara's rise, forcing him into retirement at the age of only 26.
Baba Yara's impact extended beyond the club level. He made his debut as a player for the Black Stars, Ghana's national team, in 1955. In 1961, he was recognized as the Most Distinguished Member of the Black Stars team, an esteemed football honor in Ghana at the time. His crowning achievement came in 1963 when he was part of the Ghana National team that secured victory in the African Cup of Nations. He also represented Ghana in their quest for qualification in the 1962 FIFA World Cup, showcasing his international prowess.
Tragedy struck Baba Yara at the tender age of 26. In a motor collision at Kpeve in the Volta region while traveling with his team, Real Republicans, he suffered a spinal injury that left him paralyzed and unable to play football again. Determined to find a cure, he was flown to England, accompanied by a surgical specialist from the 37 Military Hospital, Dr. R. O. Addae, for treatment at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Initial reports were hopeful, suggesting a recovery period of 4–6 months. However, the hopeful outcome never materialized, and he returned home in a wheelchair on August 14, 1963.
Tragically, on May 5, 1969, Baba Yara passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. His legacy, however, lives on.
In 2005, the Ghanaian football community paid tribute to this legend by naming the Baba Yara Stadium in his honor.
Honors for Baba Yara include being named Footballer of the Year and being recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Black Star Group in 1961. His life and career stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of an athlete who, in the face of challenges, remains a source of inspiration for future generations.
