Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Simeon-Okraku has firmly dismissed speculation regarding the future of Black Stars coach Otto Addo. He stated that the 50-year-old tactician will lead Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after successfully guiding the team through another qualification campaign. In a strong statement that left no room for doubt, Mr. Simeon-Okraku expressed astonishment that there was even a discussion about the coach’s future. He emphasized, “I’m surprised we’re even discussing Otto Addo’s future. He’s going nowhere,” while speaking to 3Sports.
Despite the team’s resurgence under Otto Addo, discussion over his job security had persisted in sections of the media. But the numbers tell a different story. Ghana stormed through the qualifiers unbeaten under his charge — seven wins and one draw in eight matches to top Group I with a commanding six-point lead over Madagascar — and secure the country’s fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The FA boss was clearly baffled by the ongoing debate, especially after the Black Stars’ remarkable turnaround from a crisis period that saw them miss out on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in two decades. “Otto Addo comes back, plays eight games, wins seven, draws one — and then all of a sudden, people are talking about the future of the coach?” he questioned.
From crisis to redemption
The 50-year-old manager has had a remarkable comeback story, successfully stabilising the Black Stars after a challenging period. Despite public pressure to dismiss him following a disappointing run in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, where Ghana went six games without a win, the Football Association chose to keep him on. Their decision proved to be wise.
Otto Addo revitalised the team, restored confidence, and led them to an impressive streak of eight unbeaten matches, which rekindled national pride and optimism. Under his guidance, Ghana regained its rhythm, discipline, and sense of purpose—qualities that have long been hallmarks of the nation’s football identity.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, Otto Addo credited the team’s resurgence to the unwavering support of the GFA, enhancements in his technical setup, and a renewed commitment from his players, rather than any significant tactical changes.
“They [GFA leadership] gave me full backing from day one, even from my first day of coming in 2021, before the World Cup in 2022,” Otto Addo explained. “I know they trust me and believe in me. They showed, especially in bad times, that they still believed in me.” For the coach, the real key to Ghana’s long-term success lies in consistency rather than panic-driven changes and short-term results. “Continuity and longevity are vital. I think it was a good decision, and I’m very happy I could prove they made the right one,” he said.
With Ghana’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup now secured, the FA’s confidence in Otto Addo seems stronger than ever, as the technical team and football regulatory body shift focus to the team’s preparation for the World Cup tournament, with the coach declaring his target will be to go past the group phase, following Ghana’s first-round exit at the 2014 and 2022 tournaments in Brazil and Qatar, respectively.
Source: Maurice Quansah
