Former Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has called on Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars technical bench as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His appeal comes after a series of changes to the national team’s backroom staff by the Ghana Football Association aimed at strengthening the squad ahead of the global tournament.
Among the new additions is French tactician Alain Ravera, who joins as assistant coach alongside Kim Lars Björkegren, currently head coach of the Black Queens. Spanish analyst Jose Daniel Martinez Alfonso has also been brought in to enhance scouting and performance analysis.
The reshuffle sees the return of physiotherapist Carlos Lozano Romero, who previously worked with Ghana during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He is joined by British-born Ghanaian performance coach Dwayne Peasah Paa Kwesi, completing the revamped technical structure.
While the expansion has sparked debate among the public, Agyemang-Badu believes the timing calls for unity rather than scrutiny.
“The Ghana FA knows the nature of the meetings they held with the coaches and management, as well as the kind of reinforcement needed in the technical team. If they have decided to strengthen the technical team, we have to support them,” he told Kessben FM.
“With a few months left to the World Cup, this is not the time to criticise the expansion. As Ghanaians, we need to be patient and back the team,” he added.
Ghana will be making their fifth appearance at the Mundial and have been drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia. The Black Stars open their campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026, before facing England on June 23 and concluding the group stage against Croatia on June 27.
As part of preparations, head coach Otto Addo and his squad are expected to regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany, followed by a preparatory fixture against Mexico in May.
