Trust Otto Addo to build strong Black Stars squad -Akonnor

Former Black Stars captain and head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has thrown his full support behind national team manager Otto Addo, urging Ghanaians to trust the coach and grant him the space to build a competitive side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Akonnor insisted that external pressure on Addo regarding player selection is unnecessary, emphasising that the coach is best positioned to determine which players demonstrate commitment, reliability, and the capability to perform on football’s biggest stage.

The former national team handler, who led the Black Stars between January 2020 and September 2021, made the call following Addo’s announcement of a 26-man squad last Monday for upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies against Austria in Vienna on March 27 and Germany in Stuttgart four days later.

Squad omissions spark debate

The squad, which features four newcomers, has generated intense discussion following the exclusion of high-profile names, including England-born duo Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah, as well as former captain André Ayew.

Hudson-Odoi, now at Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace striker Nketiah had previously turned down invitations to represent Ghana but have recently signalled their willingness to switch allegiance after the Black Stars secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite their absence from the current squad, debate continues over whether the duo could still be integrated ahead of the tournament, particularly with additional preparatory matches against Mexico and Wales scheduled for May.

Coach must have space to work

However, Akonnor believes the focus should remain firmly on the current coach’s authority and long-term vision.

“To me, the coach [Otto Addo] must be given space to do his work. The major thing is for the technical team to have peace of mind to work,” he told the Daily Graphic.

“What is important is that the technical team has been strengthened; these are very capable men.”

The 52-year-old also welcomed the recent reinforcement of the Black Stars’ technical team, which now includes five additional personnel, among them Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren. He described the move as a clear indication of the Ghana Football Association’s confidence in Addo and his backroom staff.

The Black Stars will face Austria later this week before taking on Germany in Stuttgart on March 31 as part of their preparations for the World Cup finals.