President John Dramani Mahama has revealed he has been advised to eat before watching the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad on Friday, due to the emotional toll of watching live football.

Mahama made the remark during a visit to the team’s training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, ahead of their crucial qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

"I will take time off and watch the game myself. Even though my heart is not very good at watching soccer, I will brave it [to watch you on Friday]."

The Black Stars failed to win a match in their six AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign and there appears to be a hangover of the disappointment from the debacle.

President Mahama has been asked to arm himself for the game.

"They said I should eat before I go and sit down, and my hope is that you'll justify my sitting and watching you guys," he told the players amid laughing.

He encouraged the team to make Ghanaians proud, expressing confidence in their ability to bounce back from recent disappointments.

"The whole of Ghana is going to be behind you, and I am sure you're going to make us proud."

Ghana will host Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium before travelling to face Madagascar on March 24 in Morocco, as they seek to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.