"Black Stars players have no commitment' – GOC President

Ben Nunoo Mensah, President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), has expressed his disappointment with the recent performances of the Black Stars, citing a lack of commitment among the players as a major factor in their struggles.

The senior national football team has come under heavy criticism following their dismal showing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Black Stars finished last in Group F, managing only three points from six matches, with three draws and three losses. This result marks a historic setback, as Ghana will miss the AFCON tournament for the first time in two decades.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Nunoo Mensah attributed the team’s poor performance to a lack of passion, particularly among players who switched nationality to play for Ghana.

“These players don’t seem to have the national attachment or fully understand the weight of the jersey they’re wearing,” he remarked. “Many of them come from different backgrounds and don’t grasp the significance of representing Ghana.”

He also called for a return to grassroots football to address the team’s challenges, emphasizing the need to rebuild from the fundamentals.

“The current crop of players lacks the commitment we need, and it’s time to go back to the basics to fix these issues,” he added.

The Black Stars will have a chance to recover during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with fixtures against Chad and Madagascar in March 2025.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the future of head coach Otto Addo, as the Ghana Football Association’s Executive Council is yet to decide on his role moving forward.