Former Hearts of Oak and Black Stars head coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor has praised Ghana captain Jordan Ayew for his exemplary leadership during the recently concluded 2025 Unity Cup in London.
Ayew, who was officially named captain of the senior national team in March, has been at the heart of Ghana’s resurgence in recent months. The Leicester City forward led the Black Stars to crucial victories over Chad and Madagascar in the Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
At the Unity Cup, Jordan once again wore the armband, guiding a relatively youthful Ghana side through the two-game tournament. Although the Black Stars fell 2-1 to Nigeria in the semi-final, they bounced back in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago to finish third.
Speaking to Graphic Sports, Akonnor singled out Jordan for special commendation, highlighting his influence both on and off the pitch.
“I like the way Jordan showed great leadership on the field of play. It will give the young ones confidence in their game,” Akonnor stated, adding that the veteran forward’s presence is vital for guiding the team’s emerging talents.
Ayew’s leadership has become increasingly important as Ghana undergoes a transitional phase, with head coach Otto Addo introducing several young players into the national setup during the Unity Cup.
The Black Stars will next regroup in September for Matchday 7 and 8 of the World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad away and host Mali. With Jordan Ayew leading the charge, the team remains focused on securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
