'He earned a slot by qualifying us' – Aduana FC chief Atta Poku backs Otto Addo ahead of World Cup

Aduana Football Club CEO Collins Atta Poku has offered a ringing endorsement of Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, insisting the gaffer has more than earned the right to lead Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to Citi Sports on Monday, February 9, 2026, Atta Poku rejected any notion that Addo is undeserving of his position, pointing to the simplest and most significant metric of all: qualification.

“He earned a slot by qualifying us, so it’s good that we are taking him,” Atta Poku said bluntly.

His comments come in the wake of the Ghana Football Association’s decision to bolster Addo’s technical bench with five experienced professionals, including French coach Alain Ravera and Black Queens head coach Kim Lars Björkegren. The reinforcements are intended to sharpen Ghana’s preparation for a daunting Group L campaign against England, Croatia, and Panama.

Far from viewing the additions as a slight on Addo, Atta Poku sees them as necessary support for a coach who has already delivered on his primary mandate.

“If he needs backup to excel, let’s provide all that he needs so that the Black Stars can go and excel at the Mundial in the United States of America,” he added.

Atta Poku revealed he has engaged directly with some of the newly appointed personnel and is encouraged by what he has seen.

“I was with Shadoh and Alain Ravera, the assistant, and they are all working strongly to ensure that they get some gems to come and play for us during the World Cup. I’m optimistic that these people will come in and help what we have to get better.”

Ghana will open their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in Boston on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

For Atta Poku, the debate over Addo’s legitimacy is closed. He qualified the team. He earned the slot. Now, he must be supported to finish what he started.