Black Stars coach Otto Addo, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, has revealed that he took a major personal and professional risk to return and lead Ghana after guiding the nation to a second consecutive World Cup.
Addo, who steered the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, stepped down afterwards to focus on his role as a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund. However, following Ghana’s disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in the Ivory Coast, he was persuaded to return for a second spell in charge in early 2024.
His second stint has produced mixed results. Addo failed to guide the Black Stars to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after finishing bottom of their qualifying group, but he restored confidence by securing Ghana’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, the 50-year-old said his decision to leave Dortmund for the national team was inspired by patriotism and a deep sense of duty to his country.
“It was always about helping Ghana. I did Ghana a favour before in 2022, combining the national team job with my role at Dortmund, which was a difficult period for me. Afterwards, I got a call from the FA President Kurt Okraku asking if I could come again, and I had to make a decision because I was still under contract with Dortmund,” he noted.
“It’s a good club, things were going really well there, but for me, it was about taking a risk to gain more experience, and I’m very happy to have qualified the Black Stars for the World Cup,” Addo concluded.
Addo, a former Ghana international, will now turn his focus to preparing a competitive squad capable of making a stronger impact at next year’s tournament.
The World Cup will provide another opportunity for him to prove his tactical credentials and justify the faith placed in him by the Ghana Football Association and fans alike.
