GFA Boss defends recent decision to delay Black Stars squad

Ghana FA Boss Kurt Okraku has revealed that he was shocked at the outcry and impatience of fans and journalists over the decision to delay the release of the Black Stars squad for the crucial 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria in Kumasi in March.

The GFA was heavily criticised by journalists and fans after reports emerged that interim Black Stars Coach Otto Addo had advised that the release of the squad be delayed as a surprise strategy to confuse the Super Eagles Technical Team.

However, the FA President explained there are no specific timelines for the release of squads so in future, the nation’s football governing body will release the Black Stars list only when it is ready.

“You remember the hue and cry about us not releasing the Black Stars squad prior to the game against Nigeria. Honestly speaking, I was very surprised about the outcry. There are no timelines to release of squads,” Mr. Okraku told GTV Sports Plus.

“Because of the nature of the game, People were anxious and expectant to see who will be our gallant warriors to defend our proud colours so everybody was on tenterhooks waiting to know what the squad is but we have to be patient. At the end I believe whatever we did justified the result we got. Whenever the squad is ready, we will release it,” he stated.

Though the list was finally published three days to the first leg qualifier against Nigeria, the actual reason for the squad delay was because the GFA was finalising the nationality switch of Denis Odoi and Elisha Owusu.