Otto Addo Visits Key Players Ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

ACCRA, Ghana — Black Stars coach Otto Addo has visited key players Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku in a bid to strengthen team unity ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March. The visits come amid speculation of unrest within the squad, though no specific issues have been confirmed.

Addo, who recently took charge of Ghana’s national team, is focused on reviving the Black Stars after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw the team fail to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach has intensified his efforts to rebuild the squad, engaging directly with players to address potential tensions.

Partey and Djiku were previously rumored to have been involved in a dressing room dispute, which allegedly led to their absence from Ghana’s last two AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger. Addo’s recent visits, however, suggest a concerted effort to mend relationships and foster team cohesion.

Addo first met Djiku in Turkey, where the defender currently plays, sharing a moment with him before traveling to England to meet Partey, the team’s deputy captain. During his visit to Arsenal, Addo also held discussions with Partey’s club manager, Mikel Arteta, signaling a collaborative approach to player management.

The Black Stars are set to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in March, and Addo’s proactive engagement with key players underscores his commitment to ensuring a united and competitive squad. Ghana’s football fans are hopeful that these efforts will translate into improved performances on the pitch.