Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has offered advice to Jordan Ayew, the newly appointed captain of the Black Stars, ahead of their crucial final fixtures in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ayew, who plays for Leicester City, has been named captain for the upcoming matches against Angola and Niger, with Thomas Partey absent from the squad.
Commenting on Ayew’s appointment, Badu, a former Black Stars midfielder and U-20 World Cup winner, urged the new captain to connect with the players both on and off the field.
He advised Ayew to visit his teammates in their rooms to establish a rapport and provide guidance on the challenges of playing for the senior national team.
“Jordan Ayew is the senior most player in the team for now. I will urge him to talk to the guys and visit them in their rooms. I did the same with his brother at the U-20 level, like what Asamoah Gyan and the likes of Stephen Appiah were doing,” he told Ahotor FM.
He further explained the importance of helping the younger players understand the culture and pressures of international football.
“Talk to them because they don’t know the terrain, the socialization and the culture. Tell them that this is a demanding and football nation. Our supporters demand a lot.
With over 12 years of experience in the national team, Ayew is well-versed in the demands of international football, Badu noted.
“Jordan has been in the national team for more than 12 to 13 years and he knows the ‘ins and outs” and the odds. I know that he can calm them and go into the games with good preparations,” he added.
Ghana will face Angola later tonight at the Estádio 11 de Novembro, before playing Niger in their final home game at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, November 18.
Following Niger’s 4-0 victory over Sudan on Thursday, the Black Stars must win both matches and hope Sudan loses to Angola in order to secure qualification for AFCON 2025.