His remarks follow Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Addo came under intense scrutiny earlier this year after the team’s disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which ended Ghana’s two-decade run at the continental tournament.

The Black Stars finished bottom of their group after six matches, prompting widespread calls for his dismissal.

However, the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach steadied the team and guided Ghana to a commanding finish in the World Cup qualifiers, topping Group I with 25 points to secure a spot at the global showpiece.

Sibo, who made his international debut against Mali and has since started all three of Ghana’s most recent matches, believes the team’s resurgence stems from unity and renewed spirit.

“One thing I’ve seen in this team is unity, and when a team is united and ready to fight for each other, it’s hard to beat,” Sibo told the Daily Graphic.

“We are very united, and I feel we are on the right track,” he added.

The Black Stars will prepare for the World Cup with friendly matches against Japan and South Korea later this month.

The draw for the tournament is scheduled for December 5, when Ghana will discover its group-stage opponents.

Despite leading Ghana to qualification for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Addo’s future remains uncertain amid criticism from sections of the fan base over the team’s inconsistent performances.

However, Sibo believes the former Borussia Dortmund talent coach has proven his worth and deserves to remain in charge.

“Personally, I feel he has done a great job, and he is still doing a great job for the national team. Since I came to the national team, whatever tactics he has given to us, whatever instructions he gives before a game, when we deliver, we get the results,” the Real Oveido midfielder told Joy Sports.

“My personal experience has been great, and I think he is a good guy to lead the nation to the World Cup,” he added.

Sibo has been a regular feature since breaking into the national team setup, starting all three of Ghana’s recent matches and helping the Black Stars finish their World Cup qualification campaign on a high note.

Ghana will begin preparations for the World Cup next month with international friendlies against Japan and South Korea. The team will learn their group-stage opponents when the official World Cup draw is held on December 5.

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Sibo, who earned his debut call-up against Mali during Matchday 7, featured alongside the Villarreal midfielder at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The young midfielder continued to build on the partnership in the subsequent fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros.

The combination of Sibo and Partey has drawn praise from both fans and pundits, with many noting the balance and creativity they bring to Ghana’s midfield.

Reflecting on the partnership after Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Comoros, which secured the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Sibo said: “He [Thomas] scored and assisted. He is someone I look up to because he is a Ghanaian and plays in Europe.

“He played for big clubs in Europe and currently plays in Spain, just like me, so we both understand the roles we play in midfield. I am always happy to play alongside him, and I think it’s the same for him,” he added.

Ghana topped Group I with 25 points to finish the qualifiers, and the Black Stars will discover their group-stage opponents for the 2026 World Cup on December 5 in Washington, D.C.

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Source: Ebo Dawson-Amoah

The 25-year-old earned a late call-up to the Black Stars squad for the Matchday 8 qualifier against Mali after Elisha Owusu was suspended following Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena.

Sibo was handed a starting role alongside Thomas Partey in midfield and impressed as Ghana edged Mali 1-0 in a tense encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Reflecting on his debut, the midfielder described the opportunity as a blessing and vowed to give his best in the team’s remaining fixtures.

“Being part of the 23-man squad is a blessing, and when you get the opportunity, you must seize it,” he told Graphic Sports.

“Everything happens for a reason, and as a footballer, you have to be mentally strong. I believe I have the power to change situations. The coach told me he’s been monitoring me, so I must stay focused, work hard, and help Ghana qualify for the 2026 World Cup because that’s what Ghanaians expect.

“For any player, representing your country on football’s biggest stage is the ultimate dream, and we are ready to give everything in the remaining matches to make it happen,” he added.

With just two games left in the qualifiers, Ghana sit top of Group I with 19 points. Sibo will be aiming to retain his place when the Black Stars face the Central African Republic and Comoros in October to wrap up their campaign.

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The four-time African champions boosted their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mali, following a 1-1 draw against Chad in Matchday 7 and 8 of the qualifiers during the September international window.

Ghana currently leads Group I with 19 points and needs just one more win to book a ticket to the Mundial, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“We have to give our all to make the dream of 2026 World Cup qualification a reality. That’s what Ghanaians expect of us,” the 25-year-old told Graphic Sports.

The Black Stars will wrap up their qualification journey in October with matches against the Central African Republic and Comoros.

Ghana has already made four World Cup appearances — Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Qatar 2022.

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The 25-year-old earned a late invitation for Ghana’s Matchday 8 clash against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium, starting in midfield alongside Thomas Partey following Elisha Owusu’s suspension.

Reflecting on the milestone, Sibo expressed gratitude for the opportunity and underscored the importance of making the most of such chances.

“Being part of the 23-man squad is a blessing. If you get the opportunity, you must seize it,” he told Graphic Sports.

Looking ahead, the midfielder pledged the team’s determination to secure qualification. “We have to give our all to make the dream of 2026 World Cup qualification a reality. That’s what Ghanaians expect of us.”

The Black Stars will reconvene in October for decisive qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros, with Sibo eager to cement his place in Otto Addo’s squad.

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The 25-year-old, who received a late call-up for Ghana’s Matchday 8 clash against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium earlier this month, delivered a commanding performance in midfield alongside established internationals. His display earned praise from both the coaching staff and football fans.

Reflecting on his first appearance for the Black Stars, Sibo stressed the importance of maintaining focus and continuing to work hard to earn a permanent spot.

“Getting a starting role in such a crucial match shows the coach has confidence in me, but I have to work even harder to fight for a place in the team,” he told Graphic Sports.

“If I don’t get regular playing time at Oviedo, I won’t catch the eye of the coach. My focus is to keep working hard, for both my club and for Ghana,” he added.

Ghana currently leads their World Cup qualifying group with 19 points and remains on course for a fifth World Cup appearance, with two matches left to play. Sibo will be hoping to build on his impressive debut when the Black Stars face the Central African Republic and Comoros in October’s final qualifiers.

Sibo made his senior national team debut against Mali during the Matchday 8 fixtures of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Accra Sports Stadium in September. His composed performance helped Ghana secure a 1-0 victory, earning praise from fans and pundits alike.

In an interview with Graphic Sports, Badu lauded Sibo’s talent and potential, highlighting his qualities as a modern midfielder.

“Sibo is a very solid player with a lot of promise,” Agyemang-Badu said. “Honestly, he can’t match the power and energy I brought to the team in my time,” he joked, “but he has qualities that suit the modern game. I like his composure, ball distribution, and discipline. With the right guidance, he can become a big name for the Black Stars.”

Following his impressive debut, Sibo is determined to cement his place in the national team setup. At club level, he has also established himself as a key figure for Real Oviedo, helping them secure La Liga qualification and already making three appearances in the current season.

The 25-year-old Real Oviedo player, who received a late call-up for the crucial Matchday 8 fixture, partnered Thomas Partey in central midfield at the Accra Sports Stadium and played the full 90 minutes.

“First of all, big congrats to him. I think he really did well,” Addo said after the game.

“It is not easy to come from a certain environment and fit into the squad, but he knows a lot of players in the team and connected very well. He is very confident, and I think he did extremely well. This was his first performance.”

Addo described Sibo as “a warrior” and predicted that he will improve further as he settles into the team, while stressing that club form will be key to future call-ups.

“He is a warrior. You could see it throughout the match. For the future, things will get even better, but like all players, his performance at the club level will determine his next call-up. The next window is pretty close, and I am sure he will be in the squad,” he added.

Sibo, who played a pivotal role in helping Oviedo secure promotion to La Liga last season, has continued his fine form in Spain’s top flight, earning a well-deserved debut on the international stage.

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Head coach Otto Addo drafted in the 27-year-old to strengthen his midfield options following Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Chad in N’Djamena.

Sibo has been in fine form for Oviedo, playing a pivotal role in their promotion to La Liga last season.

He has also featured in all three of their league matches so far this campaign, delivering solid performances against top Spanish opposition.

His inclusion is expected to add steel and tactical balance to Ghana’s midfield as the team pushes to secure qualification.

The Black Stars, despite the setback against Chad, remain top of Group I with 16 points and are determined to get back to winning ways against Mali.

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Black Stars coach Otto Addo unveiled the squad on Tuesday, August 26, ahead of the double-header against Chad and Mali. The omissions of Sibo and Issahaku drew attention due to their recent form and fitness.

Sibo, 25, had been tipped for a maiden call-up after playing a key role in Real Oviedo’s promotion to La Liga and maintaining consistent performances this season. Issahaku, 20, has also impressed since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, starting all of Leicester City’s matches so far.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, in a Facebook post, said Sibo remains a strong candidate for future selection.

“Kwasi Sibo will get his chance soon,” he stated. “The technical team has been monitoring him and is impressed with his work rate. Although they opted to maintain the core team following recent performances against Chad and Madagascar, Sibo is on their radar and will likely get an opportunity soon.”

Regarding Issahaku, Twum explained that caution is guiding the technical team. “Otto Addo and his staff are pleased to see him back in action. However, given the circumstances surrounding his long layoff, they are cautious about rushing his return. The medical teams from Ghana and Leicester City have had extensive discussions and decided to give him time,” he said.

Twum also noted that the AstroTurf pitch in N’jamena, where Ghana faces Chad, may not be ideal for Issahaku’s first match back following his ACL recovery.

Ghana will play Chad away at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4 before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.

The Black Stars currently top Group I with 15 points, three ahead of Comoros and five ahead of Madagascar, as they chase a record fifth FIFA World Cup appearance. The team is scheduled to begin camp on September 1 in Accra.

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Real Oviedo midfielder Kwasi Sibo believes a lack of team cohesion and excessive individualism were key factors behind the Black Stars’ failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ghana, a four-time African champion, failed to secure a spot in the continental showpiece for the first time in 20 years, finishing bottom of their qualifying group with three draws and three defeats from six matches.

• Kwasi Sibo

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, the 27-year-old Sibo pointed to the team’s disjointed play during the qualifiers as a major reason for the disappointment.

“I watched the qualifiers, and what I realised was that there was too much individuality, unlike the World Cup qualifiers,” Sibo said.

“You can see the bond and love among the players now for the World Cup qualifiers, but during the AFCON qualifiers, we did not see that,” he added.

Despite the disappointment of 2024, the Black Stars have started 2025 on a stronger note.

The team recorded back-to-back victories against Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and went on to finish third at the Unity Cup held in London.

The national team will reconvene in September for Matchdays 7 and 8 of the World Cup qualifying campaign, where they are set to face Chad and Mali.

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Ghana, four-time champions of Africa, last lifted the AFCON title in 1982. The West African nation has since come close to reclaiming continental glory, finishing as runners-up in 1992, 2010, and 2015.

Despite yet to make his debut for the senior national team, the 27-year-old midfielder is hopeful of earning a call-up and making an impact.

“It has been a long time since the Black Stars won a trophy, and my biggest aim is to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Black Stars. Even at the World Cup, I wish we go far,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

Citing Morocco’s historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as motivation, Sibo added: “Morocco played in the semifinals in the last World Cup in Qatar, but I aim to help the Black Stars win a trophy when I get a call-up.”

Sibo also reaffirmed his readiness to don the national jersey, pointing to his strong performance with Real Oviedo during the 2023/24 season, where he made 38 appearances, scored one goal, and provided one assist.

“I am ready to play for the Black Stars,” he said. “I played competitively last season and played a key role in our qualification to La Liga. I’m competing with some of the best players at Real Oviedo, and if you look at my performance last season, I am ready to play for the Black Stars.”

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Jordan Ayew was officially named captain of the senior national team in March, ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Chad and Madagascar.

Under his leadership, the Black Stars secured back-to-back wins — a dominant 5-0 triumph over Chad, followed by a convincing 3-0 victory against Madagascar.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports, Sibo acknowledged Jordan’s growing influence in the team but noted that Andre’s leadership presence remains unmatched.

“Jordan Ayew is a good player, and his commitment is unquestionable, but I think Andre Ayew’s leadership skills are above Jordan’s leadership skills,” he said.

“You could always see Andre controlling the players on the pitch when he was with the team, but now that Jordan Ayew has been given the armband, maybe we can see something different from him,” he added.

After captaining Ghana to a third-place finish at the 2024 Unity Cup in London, Jordan Ayew is set to lead the Black Stars again in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mali and Chad in September.

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The 27-year-old was instrumental in Oviedo’s promotion to La Liga, making 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing an assist during the campaign.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Sibo revealed that despite not yet receiving a call-up from the Ghanaian national team, he remains hopeful of donning the Black Stars jersey.

“I have been contacted by Rwanda to play for them, but I just want to play for Ghana,” he said.

Highlighting his strengths, Sibo added, “I have everything as a midfielder. I can hold the ball, track back, and join the attack. I understand the game and do what the coaches demand from me. I’m a complete player, and that’s what makes me special everywhere I go.”

He emphasized his work ethic and readiness for international duty: “I love to work hard, and that gives me enough stamina to do my job. Midfielders control the game. To play in the midfield, you have to understand the game, have stamina and patience. Playing all this while in Spain, I think I have learnt a lot and am ready to play for the national team.”

Sibo is expected to be a key figure for Real Oviedo as they prepare for their return to Spain’s top-flight next season.

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