Sports journalist Saddick Adams has refuted claims that the poor performance of the Black Stars stems from a lack of player quality. He argues that the national team is brimming with talented players who excel in top-tier leagues worldwide but are let down by systemic mismanagement and administrative failures.
Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, Adams addressed Ghana’s recent failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after finishing last in Group F with just three points. He dismissed assertions that talent was the issue, emphasizing that many Black Stars players consistently shine in competitive leagues such as the English Premier League and La Liga.
“You watch these players perform week in and week out at the highest levels of football globally,” he remarked. “When they come to play for the national team, their performances do not reflect their club form. This is not about talent but about an institutional framework that fails to function effectively.”
Adams’ comments follow reports of coach Otto Addo suggesting that Ghana's football woes may be due to a lack of talent. Adams strongly disagreed, highlighting the ease with which Ghana should have advanced from a group that included Sudan, Niger, and Angola. He added, “If we were grouped with football powerhouses like Brazil or Germany, a talent gap could be a factor, but that is not the case here.”
Citing examples, he pointed out that Ghana boasts some of the best dribblers in the Premier League, further demonstrating the nation's pool of exceptional players. According to Adams, the problem lies in administrative inefficiencies and mismanagement by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
“This is not a talent issue,” he reiterated. “The root cause of the Black Stars' struggles is the failure of management to create a conducive environment for players to excel. Administrative lapses, poor planning, and a lack of strategic direction have undermined the team’s potential.”
Adams’ critique comes in the wake of growing calls for accountability within the GFA. Following the team’s disappointing AFCON campaign, the GFA announced the dissolution of the Black Stars Management Committee and promised an apology to Ghanaians.
For Adams, however, apologies are insufficient without structural reforms. He called for competent leadership and better resource management to ensure that the Black Stars can leverage their talent pool to achieve consistent success on the international stage.
The Black Stars’ historic failure to qualify for AFCON underscores the need for urgent reforms to restore the pride of a nation that has previously lifted the continental trophy four times.
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