Black Stars: Otto Addo tells Afena Gyan to ‘show what he can do’ to keep Ghana spot

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo gave Afena-Gyan his debut at the Black Stars in the playoff of the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Nigeria in Kumasi. He started in Ghana’s goalless draw in the first leg against Nigeria and earned huge praise from Ghanaian football fans.

Black Stars fans thought he was the apparent heir to the legendary Asamoah Gyan after showing much promise. Afena was not included in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has since then not played for Ghana. The former AS Roma and Cremonese striker declined, unbelievably, and hence secured a loan move to Juventus’ U23 in a bid to revive his career, even though he is very young.

When Otto Addo on Tuesday, 25th May, named his team for the Unity Cup in London against Nigeria, Afena-Gyan Felix was included, much to the delight of many Ghanaians. The head coach was questioned why he has refused to give the youngster the chance since he returned as the head coach of Ghana in 2024.

Otto Addo said, “There are a lot of young players, and he’s also young. He did well, and that’s why we want to give him another chance; he’s still young,” he said.

“His career hasn’t been like he expected it to be, but this is normal in football. Sometimes you have ups and sometimes you have downs, and for him, it’s another opportunity for him to show himself,” Addo added.

Otto Addo’s squad to face Nigeria is full of young players, and he encouraged the striker to take full advantage of the opportunity given in June’s international break.

Afena-Gyan has made 7 appearances for Ghana and has scored only one goal. Ghana will play Nigeria on Wednesday at the GTECH Community Stadium in London at 7:45 pm.