Don’t let criticism dampen you – Sports Minister Kofi Adams charges Black Stars

Ghana's Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, has urged the national football team, the Black Stars, to remain resilient and focused following their elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Addressing the squad after their Round of 32 defeat to Colombia, Adams commended their efforts, asserting that their performance demonstrated the team's capability to compete at the highest level.

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We have what it takes to partake in every World Cup and get out of the group stages and even go further.

"We have what it takes to partake in every World Cup and get out of the group stages and even go further," Adams stated, acknowledging the disappointment of not progressing. He added, "But we played so well and I believe we don’t regret we went in. Everybody is congratulating us that we have a good team. It means you exhibited something good on the pitch."

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So, we didn’t make it. Our wish was that we would have carried the day. But we played so well and I believe we don’t regret we went in. Everybody is congratulating us that we have a good team. It means you exhibited something good on the pitch.

The minister emphasized the importance of learning from the tournament's challenges. "What we need is, the very few mistakes that we made becomes a learning platform for all of us," he advised. Adams encouraged the players to use these experiences to improve individually and collectively, stressing that setbacks should not diminish their spirit. He reinforced the coach's "team-first" philosophy, reminding the players that their journey as a team continues with upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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What we need is, the very few mistakes that we made becomes a learning platform for all of us. You become a better player of yourself in the various roles that you play in the team. It should not dampen you.

Adams also addressed the potential impact of public reaction and social media commentary following the team's exit. "The country is grateful for what we have done. Let’s learn lessons out of whatever situation that arose and brought us to this point," he said. He cautioned the players against letting criticism affect them, instead urging them to use it as motivation. "Please and please, you are professional ballers. Let no such comment dampen anyone. If for anything, it should motivate you to do more," he advised, reiterating gratitude for their service to the nation.

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Like the coach said, he has a team and not individual skilful players. So, we came as a team, we played as a team, we are returning as a team. And to continue our individual careers also. So, it is not the end of international competitions. We are going to be calling on you, and you would have to be responding to these calls for the various qualifiers that are ahead of us.