Otto Addo sets strict benchmarks for Andre Ayew’s Black Stars return

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has made it clear that team captain Andre Ayew must meet specific benchmarks to earn a recall to the national team.

The 34-year-old forward, who has been without a club since his contract with Le Havre expired, has not been included in recent Black Stars squads.

During the announcement of the squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger, Addo addressed Ayew’s absence. He emphasized that Ayew needs to secure a club and achieve significant success on the field to be considered for a return to the national team.

“Andre Ayew is a good player, but at the moment, he is not here. He doesn’t have a club, but nobody knows the future,” Addo stated. “If he gets a club, performs well, and scores 20 goals, then maybe he can return. We are focused on building something for the future.”

Ayew’s exclusion from the last two international breaks has been a topic of debate among fans and pundits. Addo’s comments indicate that the veteran forward must prove his form and fitness to rejoin the Black Stars, who are currently concentrating on developing a younger team.

The Black Stars will face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by a crucial match against Niger in Morocco on September 9, as they strive to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.