Otto Addo: Unity Cup a Big Chance for Ghana’s Young Players
Black Stars head coach Otto Addo says he is excited about the opportunity the 2025 Unity Cup gives Ghana, as the team prepares for the return of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.
The senior national team of Ghana is currently in London for the tournament, and Coach Addo has named a 23-man squad. The list does not include some top stars like Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Antoine Semenyo, but it features some returning players and five newcomers.
Speaking to the Ghana FA’s official website, Addo said the tournament is a good chance to watch the players he and his staff have been following in recent months.
“These two matches are very important, just like the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September,” he said. “This is the perfect time to take a closer look at players we’ve been monitoring.”
Addo explained that building a strong team takes time, and this competition gives young players the platform to show their talent.
“We want to create healthy competition in the team, and that only happens when every player is given a fair chance,” he said. “We’re not just looking at individual stars, but trying to build a solid team. That’s why I’ve given some of these young players a chance to show what they can do and possibly earn a permanent spot.”
He added that the Unity Cup has come at a very good time. “We’re happy to welcome back players who’ve been away for different reasons and also blend them with new ones joining us for the first time.”
The 2025 Unity Cup features Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Ghana will face Nigeria in the semi-final on Wednesday, 28 May. The winner will go on to play in the final, while the loser will compete in the third-place match.
