Former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has called on the Black Queens to stay focused on their mission and uphold their legacy despite the ongoing impasse over unpaid bonuses.
Ayew paid a visit to the team’s camp in Accra on Monday, ahead of their decisive 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Egypt at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Addressing the players, the U-20 World Cup winner commended the Queens for their remarkable performance at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, where they secured a third-place finish to mark their return to the continental stage.
“You guys did something great a few months ago at the WAFCON,” Ayew said.
“It’s important that you don’t let this legacy be erased by noise and outside people talking [about unpaid bonuses].”
He encouraged the players to remain united and maintain their focus on representing Ghana with pride.
“I’ve been there as a player, and you are building something the Black Queens have never had. Don’t tarnish what you’ve achieved because of money. Yes, money is important, I’ll be the first to say that, but it’s about national pride.”
Ayew also reassured the team that the issue of unpaid bonuses would eventually be resolved, urging them to stay calm and trust the process.
“[Unpaid bonuses] is something I’ve been through, so I know how you feel,” Ayew told the squad. “Sometimes things get delayed, but they’ll be done.”
The Black Queens had earlier boycotted training sessions in protest over outstanding $9,500 bonuses but have since resumed preparations. They will face Egypt in the second leg of their WAFCON qualifier on Tuesday, carrying a 3-0 advantage from the first leg in Ismailia last week.
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