Former Black Stars midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, has expressed concern over the recent performances of Ghana’s national football team. In a candid assessment, Badu pointed out a glaring contrast between how well the current players perform for their clubs and their apparent struggles when they join the Black Stars.
Badu, who was an integral part of the national team during his playing days, stated, “This is the players we have. They are doing very well at their club, but when they come to Ghana, nothing works and even ball control becomes a problem.” His statement highlights a troubling issue facing the national team, one that many fans and analysts have echoed in recent years—an inconsistency in performance.
While many of the current Black Stars players, such as Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and others, have excelled in top European leagues, their form seems to dip when representing the national side. Badu’s remarks suggest that these struggles may not necessarily be a reflection of their individual abilities, but rather a broader issue within the team environment, be it tactical, psychological, or related to team chemistry.
Badu’s comments may also hint at systemic problems within the team’s preparation, suggesting that the players are not effectively transitioned from club football to international duty. “Even ball control becomes a problem,” he noted, which emphasizes how basic footballing skills are faltering during national team games.
His critique comes at a time when the Black Stars have faced mounting pressure from fans and pundits alike, especially following lackluster performances in recent international tournaments and qualifying matches. While Ghana still boasts a roster of talented individuals, Badu’s remarks raise the question of whether the team’s management and setup are allowing these players to thrive on the international stage.
The challenge moving forward, as Badu’s comments suggest, will be finding solutions that help these talented players bring their club form to the national team. Whether it’s through better coaching, improved tactical setups, or addressing mental and psychological barriers, there is work to be done if Ghana is to reclaim its former glory in African and global football.
For now, Badu’s criticism serves as a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee success, and that something fundamental needs to change if the Black Stars are to perform at the level expected by their passionate fans.
