Black Stars head coach Otto Addo
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo stated that he did not see the captain’s armband left on the grass, addressing claims that players rejected it during Ghana’s 5-0 win over Chad in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The manager denied allegations that the players were unwilling to wear the armband, emphasising that another player took over when Jordan Ayew was substituted.
He added that players continuing to wear the armband after the captain’s exit contradicts the claims, dismissing any notion of tension within the team.
“I didn’t see the armband lying on the grass. After Jordan left, somebody took it. When Partey left, somebody took it. So it is clear,” he said.
Meanwhile, defender Alexander Djiku declined to wear the armband twice during the game.
The Fenerbahçe defender was first offered the armband when substantive captain Jordan Ayew was subbed off, but he refused.
Ayew then passed it to Thomas Partey, who attempted to give it back to Djiku, but the latter insisted that Partey wear it. The Arsenal midfielder subsequently consulted the bench before putting it on.
As the game progressed, Partey was also substituted. On his way off, he attempted to hand the armband to Djiku, who declined again and instead passed it to Mohammed Kudus, who wore it for the rest of the match.
Watch as Otto Addo dismisses captaincy tension at Black Stars
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