Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has called on Black Stars players to exhibit greater commitment while representing the national team. His remarks come in response to increasing concerns from Ghanaians regarding the team’s disappointing performance, particularly following their inability to secure a win in their first two matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

“Players who come to the national team have to be committed. I am not seeing that. They must realize that out of a population of over 30 million, they are part of a select 23. It is an honor to represent Ghana, and they need to make it worthwhile,” Appiah stated.

Addressing the Parliamentary Select Committee for Sports, Appiah discussed the broader issue of underperformance across various sports disciplines in the country and expressed frustration over the lack of visible commitment from players in recent years.

“For the past five years, we have been struggling; we are not seeing that level of commitment. You can be a good captain, but that doesn’t guarantee victories. It is only when you and your teammates share the same goal that success follows,” he added.

Ghana recently dropped six places to 70th in the FIFA rankings and is set to face Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan in October, with the venue for the match still uncertain after CAF revoked approval of the Baba Yara Stadium.