Head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, has emphasized the importance of the 2025 Unity Cup as a key opportunity to evaluate players and strengthen Ghana’s squad ahead of future international assignments.
Ghana’s senior national team is currently stationed in London, preparing for the highly anticipated return of the Unity Cup — a four-nation invitational tournament that features Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The 23-man squad announced by Addo on Monday, May 26, includes a blend of returning faces and fresh prospects, with notable absentees including Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, and Antoine Semenyo.
Addo’s squad selection reflects his strategic intent to assess emerging talent and build competition within the team. Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s official website, he underlined the significance of the tournament.
“These two matches are extremely important for the team, just like the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September. I believe this is the perfect time to closely observe the players we’ve been monitoring over the last few months,” Addo stated.
He further noted that the ongoing team-building process requires time and a clear vision. By offering opportunities to less-established players, the technical team hopes to strengthen Ghana’s squad depth.
“Team building is a process that takes time, and it’s not something that happens overnight. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to give some of our young players a chance to prove themselves. Our aim is to create competition within the team, which can only be achieved by providing an equal platform for all our talents to showcase their skills,” he explained.
The former Borussia Dortmund talent coach also highlighted the broader focus on team cohesion rather than individual brilliance.
“We’re looking beyond individuals, and focusing on building a strong team, that’s why I’ve decided to give many of these young players a chance to play and prove themselves, with the aim of making them a key part of my team going forward,” Addo said.
With the tournament offering a unique window for player assessment outside competitive qualifiers, Addo also welcomed the return of players who have been sidelined in recent months.
“The Unity Cup comes at a crucial time for us, and we want to make the most of it. We’re excited to welcome back players who have been absent for months due to various reasons, as well as integrate new players into the team,” he added.
Ghana will kick off their Unity Cup campaign with a semifinal showdown against West African rivals Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, at the GTech Community Stadium in West London. The victor will advance to the final on Saturday, May 31, while the defeated team will contest the third-place match.
The tournament serves as both a litmus test for Ghana’s evolving squad and a chance for emerging stars to lay claim to future national team call-ups.
