Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has reaffirmed that selection into Ghana’s national football team will be based purely on performance and quality, not on whether players are home-based or play abroad.
Ghana sealed qualification for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance after a narrow 1-0 victory over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12. The upcoming tournament will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States next year.
In the aftermath of the qualification triumph, discussions have resurfaced over players of Ghanaian descent who may switch nationality, alongside the ongoing debate on the inclusion of locally based talents in the national setup.
Addressing these concerns in an interview with Joy Sports, Otto Addo emphasized that the Black Stars belong to all Ghanaians, and that only merit, form, and ability will determine who earns a place in his squad.
“I don’t think we should look at who is local and who is not,” he stated.
“We have to look at performance. We have to look at the best players. The higher the quality of the group, the higher the players push each other.”
The 49-year-old coach noted that competition and unity within the team are vital if Ghana is to make an impact on the global stage. He urged both fans and media to focus less on a player’s background and more on their contribution to the team’s success.
Otto Addo’s remarks come at a time when many football enthusiasts are calling for a balanced approach that rewards domestic league excellence while maintaining international standards. His message underscores a clear vision — one that prioritizes meritocracy and teamwork as the driving forces behind Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
Otto Addo’s stance has received mixed reactions from the football community. Some analysts believe his merit-based approach will foster healthy competition and elevate the overall standard of the national team.
Others, however, argue that it could make it more difficult for home-based players to gain international exposure, given the dominance of foreign-based stars.
Despite the differing opinions, Addo maintains that fairness and excellence will guide every selection decision. As preparations begin for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the coach’s philosophy sets a clear tone — only the most deserving players will wear the national colours of Ghana on football’s biggest stage.
