Former Black Stars striker Prince Tagoe has expressed concern over what he believes is a lack of spiritual grounding within Ghana’s current national team, suggesting it could be a contributing factor to the side’s recent challenges on the international stage.
Ghana’s senior national team has endured a difficult period in recent years, suffering consecutive group-stage exits at the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. The four-time African champions also failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco — their first absence from the continental showpiece in more than two decades.
Despite those setbacks, the Black Stars bounced back by securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Tagoe pointed to what he described as a growing disconnect between current players and supporters, arguing that past successes were built not only on talent but also on strong relationships with fans and spiritual support.
“As a former player, during my time with the Black Stars, it wasn’t necessarily because we were better players, but I believe we had good luck and strong spiritual backing, and that often came from giving back to people,” Tagoe said.
“If you play for the Black Stars and you don’t show love to the fans who come to support you, or you forget the people who knew you while growing up, it becomes a problem. These are the same people who pray for the team. We used to contribute to charity and support communities, and that is something I don’t see much in the current team.”
The former Hearts of Oak forward added that many players are perceived as distant from supporters, contrasting the present squad with previous generations led by former captain Stephen Appiah, whom he credited for fostering a strong bond between the team and fans.
“We are all in Ghana, and many of the current Black Stars players have been described as stingy — that is the reality, even if people don’t say it publicly,” he stated. “During our time, supporters felt close to the team because of leaders like Stephen Appiah. As players, we must always show appreciation because these are the same people who stand behind the team.”
“Sometimes it is not only about how good you are; you also need luck and spiritual backing,” he added.
Ghana will make its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026 after being drawn in Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group phase against Croatia on June 27.
Following group-stage exits at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups in Brazil and Qatar, respectively, Ghana will be aiming for a stronger showing in North America, where the team will be based at Bryant University in the United States throughout the tournament.