Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has offered guidance to Jordan Ayew, the newly-appointed captain of the Black Stars, as they prepare for their final group matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ayew, who steps in as skipper in the absence of Thomas Partey, will lead Ghana in their must-win encounters against Angola and Niger.
Speaking to *Ahotor FM*, the 2009 U-20 World Cup winner emphasized the importance of Ayew building a strong connection with his teammates, both on and off the pitch, to foster unity and morale within the squad.
"Jordan Ayew is the senior-most player in the team for now. I urge him to talk to the guys and visit them in their rooms," Badu advised. "I did the same with his brother [Andre Ayew] at the U-20 level, just like Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah did with us in the senior team."
Badu also stressed the need for Ayew to guide the younger players through the challenges of representing Ghana at the international level.
"Talk to them because they don’t know the terrain, the socialization, and the culture. Tell them this is a football nation where supporters demand a lot," he added. "Jordan has been with the national team for over 12 years, and he knows the 'ins and outs' of this game. I believe he can calm them and prepare the team well."
The Black Stars face Angola tonight at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, followed by a decisive home game against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18.
Ghana’s qualification hopes remain alive but precarious. After Niger’s 4-0 win over Sudan on Thursday, the Black Stars must win both remaining games and rely on Sudan losing to Angola to secure a spot in the tournament.
