Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie believes Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey remains mentally strong despite the controversy surrounding his Canadian visa and will be highly motivated when Ghana takes on England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Afriyie said the challenges Partey has endured ahead of the tournament could serve as extra motivation rather than a distraction.
“The pain and the struggles our son is going through, people think it will affect him, but I see it differently,” Afriyie said. “Psychologically, all the issues going on will motivate Partey in the England game. It is rather positive energy.”
The former football administrator noted that while the final decision on team selection rests with the technical team, he is confident the experienced midfielder will rise to the occasion if given the opportunity.
“I don’t know the coach’s selection, and I won’t try to dictate to the coach, who is doing his work, but I believe Partey will deliver,” he stated.
Afriyie backed his confidence with examples from Partey’s performances for Ghana over the years, describing him as a player who has consistently stepped up in crucial moments.
“I’ve known Partey and watched him grow from a young man,” he said. “During the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Ghana went to Congo-Brazzaville without two key players. Partey was pushed forward from his usual midfield role, and he scored a hat-trick.”
According to him, Partey’s influence has repeatedly proved decisive for the national team.
“For us to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Partey played a huge role. We drew 0-0 with Nigeria in Kumasi and went to Abuja, where his away goal helped us qualify. Even in these qualifiers, whenever things became difficult, Partey made the difference.”
Afriyie, an avid Arsenal supporter, insisted the midfielder possesses the character and experience to thrive under pressure.
“The Partey I know, the one who played as a midfielder for Arsenal and has featured in top international matches, will make a difference in the England game. What is going on won’t shake him,” he stressed.
He further suggested that a strong performance against England would be the perfect response to the difficulties the midfielder has faced in recent weeks.
For Afriyie, rather than being weighed down by the controversy, Partey could use it as fuel to produce one of his most memorable performances for Ghana on the biggest stage.
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