As the Black Stars prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifiers, a significant leadership change has taken center stage. Jordan Ayew has been named the new captain of Ghana’s senior national team, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions. However, former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has called for unity and respect for the choice.

The announcement from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed that Ayew, the Leicester City forward, will wear the armband in the upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar. This decision comes after Thomas Partey opted out of a leadership role and Andre Ayew, Jordan’s older brother, was left out of the squad.

Having played alongside Jordan in the 2014 World Cup, Agyemang-Badu understands the weight of the responsibility and urges Ghanaians to rally behind their new leader. “No time for blame games anymore; let us reset Black Stars,” he told Takoradi-based Connect FM. “Jordan Ayew is the captain of the Black Stars; let us respect that and move on.”

With the squad now in camp, key players like Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jojo Wollacott, Antoine Semenyo, and Thomas Partey have arrived to begin preparations. Ghana, currently second in Group I with nine points—tied with leaders Comoros—will first face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21. They will then travel to Morocco for a clash with Madagascar on Monday, March 24.

As a new era begins under Jordan Ayew’s leadership, all eyes will be on the Black Stars to deliver on the pitch and move one step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.