Nana Fitz cautions GFA against rushing Black Stars head coach search

Veteran football administrator Fitzgerald Barkers Woode, popularly known as Nana Fitz, has warned the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports against a hasty appointment of a new head coach for the Black Stars. This caution follows the departure of Carlos Queiroz after a series of poor performances that have left the national team at the bottom of Group C in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. With the team currently holding zero points after two matches, Nana Fitz emphasized the need for a patient, thorough search to ensure the next manager deeply understands the unique challenges of Ghanaian football.

Supporting the call for a strategic reset, former GFA Vice President George Afriyie has urged the association to focus on assembling the nation's strongest possible squad for the remaining qualifying fixtures. Afriyie noted that the team’s rocky start was compounded by injuries to key players, but he expressed optimism that qualification remains possible if the best available talent is fielded. He stressed that the upcoming matches are critical for restoring the team’s competitive edge and maintaining their hopes for the 2027 tournament.

The GFA has set a deadline of October 15 for coaching applications, as an interim technical team prepares to handle the immediate responsibilities for the national side. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Somalia in November, a double-header that is seen as a must-win situation to keep their AFCON dreams alive. As the search for a permanent successor to Queiroz continues, the advice from these veteran administrators highlights the significant pressure on the GFA to make decisions that will stabilize the team's long-term performance.