Kwesi Nyantakyi has urged Ghanaians not to lose faith in the Black Stars ahead of the FIFA World Cup, insisting that the national team often performs at its best when expectations are low and doubts are at their highest.
With growing concerns surrounding the team’s recent form and difficult World Cup prospects, the former football administrator cautioned against writing Ghana off, arguing that the Black Stars have repeatedly shown an ability to surprise critics on football’s biggest stage.
The team heads into the tournament under pressure after a disappointing run of results, having failed to win any of their five international friendlies since securing qualification for a fifth World Cup appearance last October.
The poor run contributed to a change in technical leadership, with Otto Addo leaving his role following defeats to Austria and Germany, leading to the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as head coach ahead of the tournament.
Speaking during the second edition of his Prison Football Project at Nsawam Prison, Mr. Nyantakyi expressed confidence that the current atmosphere of doubt surrounding the team could ultimately motivate the players.
“As I told somebody yesterday, never write off any Ghana team,” he said.
“The time that you have little faith in them is when they spring surprises. Let us rally behind them, and I think they can do well.”
Mr. Nyantakyi, who presided over Ghana’s most successful World Cup era between 2006 and 2014, referenced the country’s history of exceeding expectations. Under his leadership, Ghana reached the Round of 16 during its first World Cup appearance in Germany in 2006 and came close to becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals during the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Despite those achievements, recent performances have raised questions about the team’s trajectory. Ghana exited the group stage at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups and also suffered early exits at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 and 2023.
Concerns have also grown over the fitness of Mohammed Kudus, whose condition remains a key issue ahead of the tournament.
Former Ghana striker Godwin Attram also backed the appointment of Queiroz, expressing confidence in the Portuguese coach’s ability to stabilise the team.
“The FA did well to appoint him, and we hope that whatever the country wants, he will deliver,” Attram said.
He further dismissed concerns over Ghana’s challenging group, which includes England, Croatia, and Panama, insisting preparation would be the deciding factor.
“At the end of the day, it’s just football, and if we prepare ourselves very well, I’m very sure we will qualify out of the group,” he stated.
Coach Queiroz is expected to announce Ghana’s final 26-man squad on June 1 as preparations for the FIFA World Cup enter the final phase.
