Pa Modou Jagne Retires From International Football After AFCON Heroics

Gambia skipper Pa Modou Jagne (Nda) officially announced his retirement from national team duties on Monday 7^th February, 2022.

Speaking at a farewell event held on his behalf at the Football Hotel in Old Yundum, Jagne was full of praise for The Gambia Football Federation (GFF), the government, his family, former teammates as well as the media and fans. “I dedicate this special moment to my grandma and uncle, who both raised me up to be who I am today,” an emotional Nda said.

The soft-spoken captain also reiterated that he has full trust in Omar Colley to take up the armband and said despite his retirement, he will always be available to support the team in any service needed.

Bakary K. Jammeh, the first Vice President of the GFF highlighted that Jagne has contributed immensely to Gambian football and dedicated his life to the national jersey. Jammeh described the skipper’s football journey as 17 years of selfless service to the country. He wished him the best in his retirement.

For his part, Bakary Y. Jammeh, the Minister of Youths and Sports described the captain as an inspiration and true leader known for his consistency and honesty. While wishing him more successes, he assured that his office will always be opened for support to the skipper.

Other speakers included, Jagne’s father and sister Pa Sulayman Jagne and Touma Njie, who all recalled how a self-disciplined young boy in Nda grew up to become a legend in their family and the country.

The former Gambia Ports Authority player also plied his trade with a host of European clubs, mostly in Switzerland at FC Will, FC St Gallen, FC Sion, FC Zurich and currently with FC Dietikon.

He also represented The Gambia in all categories of national teams, including the famous U-17 World Cup in Peru (2005), the 2007 U-20 AFCON in Congo Brazzaville, where the Young Scorpions under the guidance of Peter Bonu Johnson finished with a bronze medal in their debut campaign before playing in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup in Canada.

He is also the co-founder of the Nda-Mariam Jagne Family Foundation, a charitable organisation he co-founded with his wife aimed at helping to reduce the rate of maternal mortality in The Gambia.