Ghana’s President John Mahama has called on the nation to rally behind Black Stars head coach Otto Addo and his technical team following Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Addo, who endured intense criticism earlier in the campaign, silenced his detractors by guiding Ghana to their fifth World Cup appearance with an outstanding qualifying record. Under his leadership, the Black Stars won seven and drew one of their eight matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding only five — an impressive 87.5% win rate.
The qualification run included notable victories such as a 2–1 win over Mali, a 4–3 thriller against the Central African Republic, and a 5–0 demolition of Chad, capped off with a 1–0 triumph over Comoros to secure top spot in Group I.
President Mahama praised Addo’s resilience and leadership, urging Ghanaians to stop the constant criticism and allow the coach to prepare the team in peace.
“Let us give the management and technical team some peace,” President Mahama said on Sporty FM.
“I know that we are 33 million coaches in Ghana, but please, let us keep our coaching to ourselves. Let the coaches and managers handle the team without distractions.”
He cautioned that social media attacks and harsh criticism could harm the morale and mental health of players, calling for unity and support instead.
“These days, people say hurtful things that affect the players’ confidence and mental health. Please refrain from that and support the Black Stars to the hilt,” he urged.
Otto Addo’s Redemption
Once doubted for his inexperience and team selections, Otto Addo has now made history as the first coach to qualify Ghana for two consecutive World Cups, having also led the team to Qatar 2022.
Under his stewardship, the Black Stars have developed a more balanced identity — compact without the ball, quick in transitions, and dangerous from set pieces. Key players like Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Inaki Williams have flourished, while younger talents have injected depth and energy.
The Road Ahead
With qualification secured, focus now shifts to refining the team’s attack, consolidating its defensive structure, and preparing for the global stage in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For President Mahama, the message is clear — unity and trust are essential for success:
“Sometimes we get too emotional and start insulting players. That doesn’t help. Let’s back off and let them work.”
For Otto Addo, it is a moment of redemption and renewed belief — transforming a campaign once clouded by doubt into one defined by resilience, unity, and pride.
