Ghanaian gospel musician Grace Ashly, known for her songs in support of the Black Stars, has called on football authorities not to replace head coach Otto Addo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on Daybreak Hitz with Doreen Avio and Kwame Dadzie on Hitz FM, Grace Ashly said Otto Addo needs encouragement and technical support rather than dismissal.

“As for coach Addo, we don’t have to touch him. If there is anything [wrong with his performance], they should gather people, correct him and talk to him. You see, that is what we did to Akwasi Appiah. Ghanaians, when we have our own, we all want to drop them, and I don’t think it’s right,” she said.

When asked about the Black Stars’ performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, she expressed optimism about the team’s potential. “The young shall grow,” she said, intimating that the players only need time and support to reach their best form.

“We need to give them strength. We need to support them and pray for them. We should not tear them apart. There are certain words when you hear from people, it dampens your spirit. So we beg Ghanaians. Once they are there, they are the national team. We don’t have any national team apart from them,” Grace further noted.

Ghana recently secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought campaign that saw them finish top of their group in the African qualifiers. The Black Stars, who will be making their fifth appearance at the global tournament, will represent Africa alongside countries such as Senegal, Morocco and Nigeria.

However, Otto Addo’s leadership has faced criticism from some football fans and pundits, who argue that his tactical approach lacks consistency and creativity. Some have called for the GFA to replace him before the World Cup, citing Ghana’s inconsistent performances during the qualifiers.

In the meantime, Otto Addo has said that he is not scared of losing his job as the Black Stars Coach.