Sports Minister Kofi Adams challenges Queiroz to get best out of Black Stars

Sports Minister Kofi Adams has challenged newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s national team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz, who was unveiled in April as the replacement for Otto Addo, has been tasked with transforming Ghana’s individual talent into consistent team performances after a series of disappointing results for the senior national team, the Ghana national football team.

The Black Stars are currently on a four-match losing streak despite several players continuing to perform strongly for their clubs in Europe.

Speaking in an interview with SoccerChat, Kofi Adams questioned the gap between players’ club performances and their output at international level.

He cited forward Antoine Semenyo as an example, noting the striker’s strong form at club level compared to his national team performances.

“Why would we have Antoine Semenyo in our team, and when he goes to his club side he performs very well, but when he comes to the national team, he's not able to play effectively?” he said.

He also referenced midfielder Mohammed Kudus, describing him as a highly skilled player who has sometimes struggled to replicate his club form when playing for Ghana.

“Kudus plays well for his club but at the national team, he sometimes struggles to have that kind of flair,” he added.

Adams stressed that the new coach faces a major responsibility in ensuring that Ghana’s talented squad translates individual quality into collective results.

“So the new coach has work to do to make these talents achieve results,” he said.

Kudus, who had contributed nine goals in all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur before an injury ruled him out since January, remains a key figure for the national team when fit.

Semenyo, meanwhile, has enjoyed an impressive season, scoring 20 goals and providing six assists across all competitions.

Queiroz has already made clear that only players who meet his tactical and performance standards will earn national team call-ups, as he prepares to announce his final squad for the expanded 48-team World Cup by June 1.

The Black Stars are scheduled to play two high-profile friendly matches as part of their preparations, facing Mexico national football team on May 22 before taking on Wales national football team on June 2.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L of the tournament alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, as the team seeks to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since its historic 2010 campaign in South Africa.