Mohammed Polo urges Black Stars to rediscover commitment and Ghanaian identity

A soccer team in yellow uniforms poses for a pre-match group photo on a green field with a crowded stadium in the background.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka August 4, 2026

Ghana football legend Mohammed Polo has urged the current Black Stars squad to show greater commitment, unity and patriotism whenever they represent the country, following the team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former Hearts of Oak winger said Ghana made an encouraging start to the tournament in North America but failed to sustain its performance, raising concerns about the team’s mentality and cohesion.

The Black Stars reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010 before their campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32.

Speaking to Asempa FM, Polo said the team’s drop in performance suggested deeper problems within the squad.

“When they went to the World Cup, the way they started, everyone was happy, and suddenly they cut it. Why did it cut? It shows that there are some sort of commitment issues or some lack of chemistry among the players in camp,” he said.

A member of Ghana’s victorious 1982 Africa Cup of Nations team, Polo believes the national side has gradually lost the identity that once made the Black Stars one of Africa’s most feared teams.

He argued that the increasing reliance on foreign-based players has contributed to the disappearance of Ghana’s traditional style of play, as well as the passion and fighting spirit that previously defined the team.

“Even that sort of Ghanaian style of playing isn’t there anymore because almost the majority of our players are foreign-based. Only the goalkeeper. So that sort of character and commitment was lacking,” he added.

Polo said wearing the Black Stars jersey should come with a sense of responsibility and sacrifice, insisting that talent alone is not enough to achieve success on the international stage.

Despite progressing beyond the group phase for the first time in 16 years, Ghana’s World Cup campaign ended earlier than many supporters had hoped, prompting renewed debate over the team’s performances and long-term direction.

The Black Stars will now shift their focus to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September. Ghana has been drawn in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia as they bid to secure a place at the continental tournament.