“Selection Should Be Based on Performance, Not Local or Foreign Status”- Otto Addo
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has emphasized that player selection for the national team will continue to be based strictly on performance and quality, rather than whether a player is based locally or abroad.
His comments come amid ongoing debates within the Ghanaian football fraternity about the balance between home-based and foreign-based players in the national setup after Ghana qualified for their fifth World Cup.
Speaking to Joy Sports, Addo made it clear that merit and consistency are the key criteria guiding his decisions as Ghana prepares for upcoming international competitions.
“I don’t think we should look at who is local and who is not. We have to look at performance. We have to look at the best players. The higher the quality of the group, the higher the players push each other,” Addo stated.
The Black Stars boss stressed that competition for places is essential for the team’s growth and success, noting that only players who consistently perform at a high level—regardless of where they play—will earn a call-up.
Addo’s merit-based approach has been evident throughout Ghana’s recent matches, as he continues to blend experience with emerging talents from both the local league and European clubs.
The Black Stars are currently preparing for their next international assignments, with Addo focused on building a disciplined, competitive, and high-performing squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
