I am determined to build a formidable team - Black Stars coach Otto Addo

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has made it clear that his priority is to develop a well-balanced and cohesive team rather than depending on individual brilliance.

Speaking to the Ghana FA media ahead of tonight’s Unity Cup clash against Nigeria at the Gtech Community Stadium, Addo revealed that the inclusion of several young and relatively unfamiliar faces is part of a broader strategy to mould a competitive squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“We’re looking beyond individuals and focusing on building a strong team,” Addo stated, adding: “That’s why I’ve decided to give many of these young players a chance to play and prove themselves, with the aim of making them a key part of my team going forward.”

At 49, Addo is steering Ghana into a new phase following a mixed run in recent competitions. He highlighted the importance of the Unity Cup not just as a friendly, but as a key part of his preparation for crucial qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September.

“These two matches are extremely important for the team, just like the World Cup qualifiers. I believe this is the perfect time to closely observe the players we’ve been monitoring over the last few months,” he added.

Addo stressed that building a solid national team takes time and intentional planning, particularly when it comes to creating room for emerging talents to grow and compete.

“Team building is a process that takes time. It’s not something that happens overnight. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to give some of our young players a chance to prove themselves. Our aim is to create competition within the team, which can only be achieved by providing an equal platform for all our talents to showcase their skills,” he explained.

The Unity Cup also sees the return of several players who have been sidelined due to injury or other issues, giving the team a chance to strengthen chemistry and reintegrate key figures.

“The Unity Cup comes at a crucial time for us. We’re excited to welcome back players who have been absent for months, as well as integrate new players into the team,” Coach Addo concluded.