Even if Otto Addo qualifies Ghana for the 2026 World Cup, he’s still a bad coach – Awal Mohammed
Kessben Sports pundit Awal Mohammed has voiced strong criticism of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, suggesting that even if Addo successfully qualifies Ghana for the 2026 World Cup, he would still not consider him a good coach for the national team.
Awal Mohammed, known for his forthright opinions on Ghanaian football, did not mince words in his assessment of Otto Addo’s coaching abilities. During Friday’s edition of the Kessben Sports show on Kessben FM, Mohammed made it clear that while qualifying Ghana for the 2026 World Cup would be an achievement, it would not be enough to convince him of Addo’s capabilities as a top-tier coach for the Black Stars.
“I’m sorry to say this, but even if Otto Addo qualifies Ghana for the 2026 World Cup, I still don’t trust him as a good coach for the Black Stars,” Mohammed stated. “Qualifying for the World Cup doesn’t automatically make him a great coach. I do not believe he has the qualities required to lead Ghana to success in major tournaments.”
Otto Addo’s tenure as the head coach of the Black Stars has been a topic of discussion since he took over in 2021. His most significant achievement so far was leading Ghana to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, after overcoming Nigeria in a tense playoff. Addo’s tactical decisions and leadership during this period earned him praise from some quarters, particularly considering the team’s challenging circumstances.
However, Mohammed believes that qualification alone should not be the sole yardstick by which Addo’s abilities are measured. According to the pundit, the quality of play, consistency, and overall performance in international competitions should be the true indicators of a coach’s effectiveness. While qualifying for the World Cup is important, it is the success in the tournament itself that should be the ultimate test for any coach.
Awal Mohammed’s critique of Addo stems from his belief that the former Borussia Dortmund assistant coach does not possess the necessary tactical acumen to take Ghana to the next level. While Addo has garnered praise for his calm and composed demeanor, and his role in guiding the team through difficult moments, Mohammed believes that the Black Stars need more than just a coach who can manage crises—they need a tactician who can consistently produce results at the highest level.
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