Black Stars coach Otto Addo has disclosed that Jerome Opoku's back injury was worsened by the poor pitch conditions at Baba Yara Sports Stadium, as the defender struggled to adapt to the uneven surface.

The Black Stars suffered a narrow defeat in their Group F Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Angola on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Following the loss, the team travelled to Morocco for their second group fixture against Niger, but key players, including Joseph Paintsil—who missed out due to passport issues—and Jerome Opoku, were left behind. Opoku, who sustained a back injury in training, was unable to recover in time.

“We had some issues with minor injuries, but most players are okay except for Jerome, who had serious back problems. His body couldn't adapt to the training ground in Kumasi," Addo explained.

"It was tough for him, and the injury became so severe that he couldn't continue training. He had to return to his club for specialized treatment. It's unfortunate—he didn’t play, but still got injured.”

The Black Stars are set to face Niger at the Stade Municipal Berkane in Morocco on Monday evening.