Super Eagles legend sends message to Ghana fans after Coach sack

Nigerian football legend Victor Ikpeba has called for calm among Ghanaian supporters following the dismissal of head coach Otto Addo just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decision by the Ghana Football Association came after a disappointing international break in which the Black Stars suffered heavy defeats, including a 5-1 loss to Austria and a 2-1 defeat against Germany.

In an official statement, the GFA confirmed Addo’s exit and revealed plans to appoint a new technical director as preparations continue for the tournament.

Ghana’s move adds to a growing trend of late managerial changes among World Cup-bound nations. Sami Trabelsi recently left Tunisia after their AFCON disappointment, while Walid Regragui also stepped down following Morocco’s AFCON final defeat.

Despite the upheaval, Ghana remains focused on its Group L campaign, where they are set to face England, Croatia, and Panama.

Reacting to the situation, Ikpeba urged Ghanaian fans not to panic, stressing that late disruptions do not necessarily spell failure.

The Monaco legend also referenced Nigeria’s build-up to the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where the Super Eagles faced internal challenges but still went on to match their best-ever finish by reaching the Round of 16.

He said, "Ghana are one of the great countries of African football. If you look at the statistics in the few World Cups they have been involved in, it has not been fantastic.

"Remember when they did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations; it was fire on the mountain in Ghana and for the young manager.

"He was my teammate in Dortmund, and I give credit to the Ghana FA president for keeping faith with him. Somebody will have to be careful not to win too many friendly games.

"We had a very chaotic preparation for the 1998 World Cup, and we lost most of our friendly games, yet we won our first two games at the World Cup.

"The Ghanaian fans should be a little bit calm. Yes, it's a prestige match. It's not because you lose 5-1 that it becomes the end of the road for this team.

With the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada fast approaching, Ghana must now quickly stabilise under new leadership.