“I’m not a person who can resign” – Otto Addo after Ghana’s dismal show in AFCON qualifiers
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has firmly dismissed calls for his resignation following Ghana’s disastrous 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the tournament marks the first time in 20 years that the Black Stars will miss Africa’s premier football competition.
The Black Stars wrapped up their qualification series with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium, a result that sealed their position at the bottom of Group F. Ghana failed to win a single game in six outings, finishing with just three points from three draws and three losses.
Sudan and Angola progressed from the group, while Niger and Ghana were eliminated. The dismal campaign is widely regarded as one of the worst in the history of Ghanaian football.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Otto Addo refused to entertain the idea of stepping down as head coach despite overseeing Ghana’s calamitous campaign.
“I’m not a person who can resign. If I had done this, I would never have become a player or even a coach,” Addo stated defiantly.
The comment has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits, with many questioning whether Addo remains the right man to lead the team after such a disappointing performance.
Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON continues a worrying trend of underperformance in recent years. The team exited at the group stage of both the 2021 and 2024 AFCON tournaments, falling far short of the high standards historically associated with the Black Stars.
The 2025 qualification campaign exposed significant weaknesses in Ghana’s squad, including a lack of attacking firepower, defensive lapses, and inconsistent performances from key players.
The mood among Ghanaian football fans is one of frustration and disappointment. Calls for a complete overhaul of the team’s management and playing structure have intensified, with many insisting that new leadership is needed to restore the Black Stars to their former glory.
What Lies Ahead
With Ghana out of the 2025 AFCON, the focus now shifts to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Otto Addo’s future as head coach will likely depend on the team’s ability to deliver improved performances in the coming months.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) faces a critical decision: either back Addo and provide the necessary support to rebuild the team or make significant changes to reset the course of the Black Stars’ journey.
As Ghanaian football finds itself at a crossroads, the nation’s passionate supporters will be watching closely, hoping for a revival of the Black Stars’ fortune on the global stage.