Ghana’s President, John Mahama, has urged the nation to rally behind head coach Otto Addo and his technical team following the Black Stars’ triumphant qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Addo, who weathered months of scrutiny and scepticism, masterminded a remarkable turnaround to lead Ghana back onto football’s grandest stage. The coach’s second stint began amid deep uncertainty, two matches into the qualifiers, criticism was rife, and calls for his dismissal echoed across the football fraternity. Yet by the campaign’s end, Addo had silenced his detractors with results that spoke louder than words.
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Under his guidance, the Black Stars put together an astonishing run of seven wins and one draw from eight qualifiers, scoring 22 goals and conceding only five, a sparkling 87.5% win rate. His side’s resilience was showcased in a gritty 2–1 win in Bamako, a chaotic but thrilling 4–3 triumph over the Central African Republic, a ruthless 5–0 demolition of Chad, and a controlled 3–0 victory in Madagascar. A calm, professional finish at home sealed top spot in Group I and confirmed Ghana’s return to the global tournament.
Beyond the statistics, Addo’s tactical blueprint has been clear: a compact, disciplined side that transitions quickly and poses constant danger from set pieces. The revival was powered by key performances from experienced figures like Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Inaki Williams, while a new generation of players injected hunger and dynamism.
President Mahama, speaking on Sporty FM, appealed for calm and collective backing as the team prepares for the next chapter.
“Let us give the management and technical team some peace. I know that we are 33 million coaches in Ghana, but please let us keep our coaching to ourselves,” he said.
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“Let the coaches and managers handle the team without distracting them… these days of social media, people can say hurtful things that would affect the mental health of the players. So please refrain from some of these things… and support the Black Stars to the hilt,” he added.
Mahama’s words were a pointed reminder of the often toxic discourse that surrounds the national team. He noted that while passion is part of Ghana’s football DNA, unchecked criticism and online abuse do more harm than good.
The President’s message is simple: step back, trust the process, and let Addo and his backroom staff focus on fine-tuning the team for the World Cup. After restoring belief and direction in the Black Stars, the coach, Mahama insists, deserves the peace and space to finish what he started.
Beyond thrilled 🙌 🇬🇭
Ghana will make their fifth @FIFAWorldCup appearance at the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States next year. pic.twitter.com/Cr5GSbrMi1
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) October 14, 2025
