“The Weight of a Dream: Razak Simpson’s Black Stars Journey”
For Razak Simpson, the call to join the Black Stars felt like destiny knocking on his door. The Nations FC defender had long dreamed of donning Ghana’s iconic jersey, but when the moment arrived, it carried a weight far heavier than he anticipated—both literally and figuratively.
It all began with an unexpected phone call.
“I was going about my day when a foreign number popped up on my phone,” Simpson recounted in an interview with Akoma FM. “I answered, and it was Otto Addo. He said, ‘Congratulations, Razak Simpson, I’ll call you again on Thursday at 12 p.m. to be part of the Black Stars.’”
Overwhelmed with emotion, the 26-year-old dropped to his knees, thanking God for granting him what he had long prayed for: a chance to represent his country on the grand stage.
Simpson made his debut during Ghana’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger. Despite the immense pressure, he impressed many with his calm yet determined performances, particularly during the away game in Luanda.
But beneath the surface, Simpson was battling nerves.
“When I wore the Black Stars shirt for the first time, it felt heavy,” he admitted. “It wasn’t just a jersey—it symbolized the hopes of millions of Ghanaians. I reminded myself that this is what I chose to do. I had to push everything else aside and focus on the game.”
Although his efforts were commendable, they weren’t enough to guide Ghana to qualification. The Black Stars missed out on the AFCON for the first time in 21 years, a heartbreaking outcome for the nation.
Still, Simpson remains optimistic about the future.
“I’ll continue working hard and improving my performance. I hope to earn another call-up and contribute to the team’s success.”
For Simpson, the weight of the Black Stars jersey is not just a burden—it’s a badge of honor, and he’s determined to wear it again.