KINGSTON, Jamaica – Captain of Jamaica’s Under-17 men’s team, Jahmarie Nolan, has been named the Best Player of the recently concluded CONCACAF Men’s U-17 World Cup Qualifiers.
His efforts helped Jamaica qualify for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, as they finished top of Group G after recording victories over Aruba, Cayman Islands and Canada.
Nolan, who represents Toronto FC, ended the tournament with four goals and two assists.
Jamaica’s assistant coach, Vassell Reynolds, had high praise for Nolan, who was a member of the national team that failed to qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup.
“Both he and the entire coaching staff were very confident he would lead the team well, both on and off the field. We didn’t hesitate to give him that responsibility, one which he accepted and performed very well.
“His performance on the pitch wasn’t a surprise to us; we saw glimpses of it last year, and also, one can remember he got some useful minutes representing Mount Pleasant Academy in last year’s JPL competition and held his own,” Reynolds said.
“During the camps leading up to the qualifiers, he was outstanding and that continued throughout the three games and this award is well deserved and provides a good face for Jamaica’s football. It should help to motivate other youth players in the country.”
Meanwhile, the Top Scorer award went to Malik Jakupovic of the United States. Jakupovic finished the tournament with eight goals for the Group E winners.
CMC
