Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has dismissed growing calls for his resignation after Ghana’s disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday marked the end of a disastrous campaign, leaving the team at the bottom of Group F without a single win in six matches.
Speaking in the aftermath of the match, Addo firmly defended his position, citing his perseverance throughout his career as a reason to stay the course.
“I’m not the person who can resign. If I had done this, I’d never have become a player or even a coach,” he stated. “If you know where I have come from to reach this point, you won’t even ask about resignation.”
Despite mounting pressure from fans and pundits alike, Addo remained steadfast in his commitment to the team.
People shouting and telling me to resign can’t affect me,” he added, addressing the public criticism he has faced.
Ghana’s AFCON qualifying journey was marked by lackluster performances and missed opportunities.
The campaign began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Angola and was followed by a 1-1 draw with Niger.
Two matches against Sudan offered no respite, with the Black Stars managing only draws.
The final blow came with the loss to Niger on Monday, leaving Ghana with just three points from six matches.
Angola topped the group with 14 points, followed by Sudan with eight, and Niger with seven.
This marked one of the lowest points in Ghana’s footballing history, as the once-dominant team failed to secure even a single victory.
The Black Stars’ poor showing has reignited discussions about systemic issues within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the need for structural reforms in the nation’s football ecosystem.
While some fans have called for Addo’s immediate resignation, others have urged for a more comprehensive evaluation of the team’s failures.
Critics argue that problems extend beyond the coaching staff and point to administrative inefficiencies and player performance as contributing factors.
As Ghana reflects on this disappointing campaign, Addo’s future remains uncertain.
For now, the coach appears unwilling to step down, emphasizing resilience and determination as he navigates the challenges of managing one of Africa’s most historically successful football teams.
The road to recovery for the Black Stars is likely to be long and arduous, with significant changes expected at multiple levels of the sport.
The team and its leadership now face the daunting task of rebuilding ahead of future competitions.
