Black Stars to Open Camp on May 25 Ahead of Unity Cup tournament – Dr. Randy Abbey Confirms

Chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Dr. Randy Abbey, has revealed that Ghana’s senior national team will commence camping for the upcoming Unity Cup on Sunday, May 25, ahead of a much-anticipated semifinal showdown against Nigeria.

The Black Stars are scheduled to face their West African rivals at the Gtech Community Stadium in London on May 28. The winner of that fixture will progress to the final on May 31 to face either Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica, who square off in the other semifinal.

In an interview with 3Sports, Dr. Abbey confirmed the team’s travel and training plans, emphasizing the importance of early preparation despite challenges with player availability.

“We had a meeting with the management committee, and the team will assemble in London on the 25th,” he disclosed.
“They would have three training sessions before the first game on the 28th against Nigeria.”

However, assembling a full squad has proven difficult due to scheduling conflicts and injuries. The tournament falls outside FIFA’s international window, which has impacted player release.

“There are quite a number of players who are injured. There are a few players who are also engaged in qualifying games for Europe, and so their clubs won’t release them. Mind you, this period is outside the FIFA free period,” Dr. Abbey explained.

“And so, for those whose leagues will still be in session, and they are still in contention, they might not be available, plus the injured players,” he added.

The Unity Cup tournament serves as part of Ghana’s build-up to the crucial Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali in September. The Black Stars will then wrap up their qualification campaign with games against Comoros and the Central African Republic in October.

The team’s preparations in London are expected to focus on strengthening tactical cohesion and offering opportunities to fringe players and new call-ups, given the squad limitations.