Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a former chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has urged Black Stars coach Otto Addo to broaden his scouting efforts by paying closer attention to players in the Ghana Premier League. His call comes in the wake of Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s impressive performances in Ghana’s recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. At 32, Asare was a surprise inclusion in the squad, yet he was preferred over seasoned goalkeepers Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Jojo Wollacott. His selection paid off as he kept two consecutive clean sheets, helping Ghana secure vital points. This strong showing has intensified calls for Otto Addo to reconsider his approach to player selection by incorporating more homegrown talents. Speaking to *Graphic Sports*, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe emphasized that Ghana's past successes in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were largely built on a foundation of domestic players, making it essential for the national team to tap into local talent.
According to Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe, limiting scouting efforts to just a few major cities such as Accra and Kumasi could lead to many promising players being overlooked. He stressed that Ghana is home to numerous footballing talents spread across different regions, and Otto Addo must extend his search beyond the traditional football hubs. By doing so, the Black Stars can identify and nurture hidden gems capable of making a significant impact at the international level. The inclusion of Asare in the national team demonstrated the potential within the local league, proving that players competing domestically can excel when given opportunities on the big stage. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe further suggested that Ghana’s technical team should establish a structured scouting network that ensures equal opportunities for players from smaller clubs and less-publicized leagues. This, he believes, would create a more competitive team selection process and enhance the overall strength of the Black Stars.
Following Asare’s stellar performances, discussions have emerged regarding his possible promotion to Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper for future games. With the next round of World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September, where Ghana will first travel to Chad before hosting Mali, the national team must build on its recent victories. Many believe that maintaining a blend of experienced international players and talented local league stars will be key to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Otto Addo and his coaching staff have received praise for their bold decisions, particularly in giving Asare the chance to prove himself on the international stage. As the Black Stars move forward in their qualification campaign, the debate over prioritizing local talent is expected to continue, with many stakeholders urging the team’s management to deepen its reliance on homegrown players.
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