Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has called for unity behind Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, insisting the technical team has the quality to deliver a historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite a tumultuous period that saw Ghana miss out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in over two decades, Addo successfully navigated the more prestigious path to the World Cup in North America.
The Black Stars silenced doubters by finishing 2025 with an unbeaten run, clinching the top spot in their qualifying group and securing their place at the “Mundial”.
Speaking to GHOne TV, Lamptey, who rose to fame as a teenage prodigy in the 1990s, dismissed calls from sections of the fanbase demanding a change in leadership before the tournament kicks off in June.
He stated that he has absolute trust in Otto Addo and his technical team to deliver for Ghana at the 2026 World Cup.
The endorsement comes at a critical juncture for the national side. While the failure to qualify for the most recent AFCON remains a sore point for many, Addo’s ability to stabilise the squad during the high-stakes World Cup qualifiers has earned him significant credit with the footballing establishment.
Ghana faces a formidable challenge in Group L, where they must navigate fixtures against heavyweights and dark horses alike.
The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, before a highly anticipated clash against England on June 23. They will then wrap up the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
The match against England is already being billed as the standout fixture for the West African giants, marking a rare competitive meeting between the two nations on the global stage.
The squad are currently based in Vienna, Austria, ramping up their final preparations for the tournament.
Addo’s men are scheduled to play high-profile friendlies against Austria and Germany later this month.
These fixtures serve as the ultimate litmus test for a team looking to blend youthful exuberance with the tactical discipline Addo has championed since his return to the dugout.
As the Black Stars prepare to fly the flag for Africa, the focus remains on whether this technical team can translate Lamptey’s “absolute trust” into points when the world is watching.
Source: Ekow Segu
