- Sam Johnson backs Otto Addo to lead Ghana to 2026 World Cup
- Johnson expresses confidence in Addo despite AFCON qualification failure
- Black Stars resume World Cup qualifiers next month against Chad and Madagascar
Former Ghana international Sam Johnson has expressed strong confidence in Otto Addo’s leadership abilities to guide the Black Stars to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Addo, the 49-year-old coach, has faced significant criticism after Ghana’s failure to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which marked the first time in two decades the national team had missed out on the prestigious tournament.
Despite this setback, Johnson believes that Addo has the capability to lead Ghana to its fifth World Cup appearance, as the World Cup qualifiers are set to resume next month.
“I have confidence in Otto Addo. He can qualify us for the World Cup, but football is not only about the coach,” Johnson told Sporty FM.
He further emphasized the importance of players performing on the field, regardless of the coach’s reputation or experience. “I want something for myself, that’s why I’m playing football. If the coach is not good, what am I doing for myself on the field?” he stated.
Johnson continued, “Do something. We play for coaches who don’t know anything because maybe the coach is not good, but he is a human.”
Following a rocky start to the qualifiers, the Black Stars managed to secure vital victories over Mali and the Central African Republic under Addo’s guidance. Ghana’s World Cup qualification campaign will continue next month with crucial matches against Chad and Madagascar in the Matchday five and six rounds.
