- Black Stars Ready to Surprise People Under Queiroz — Jordan Ayew
Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has expressed confidence in the Black Stars’ chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team is ready to “surprise people” under new head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Speaking ahead of Ghana’s international friendly against Wales on Tuesday, the experienced forward praised the commitment of the squad and the immediate impact made by the Portuguese tactician since taking charge of the national team.
Ayew said training sessions in Wales had been intense and encouraging, with players quickly adapting to the coach’s ideas as preparations continue for the global tournament.
“We have a lot of new players and we just want to improve,” Ayew said at Monday’s pre-match press conference. “We want to go there, put on a show and represent Africa and Ghana the best we can. With the manager’s ideas and the boys’ commitment, I am sure we will surprise people.”
The former Swansea City and Leicester City attacker admitted there is little time for the team to settle, stressing the importance of Tuesday’s friendly as Ghana begins a new chapter under Queiroz.
“The manager has come in and done a really good job. His ideas have been good for us and we’ve received them very well,” he explained. “We don’t have time to wait because there’s a game tomorrow. We’re ready.”
Ayew also spoke about his personal future after leaving Leicester City, revealing that his immediate focus remains firmly on the national team and the upcoming World Cup campaign.
“To be honest, I don’t know where I will play next,” he said. “The most important thing for me now is my national team and my nation. I just want to enjoy myself at the World Cup with my teammates and then we’ll see what happens afterwards.”
The Ghana captain said he is particularly looking forward to facing England in Ghana’s second group match, describing the fixture as one he expects to enjoy.
Ayew also praised Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo following his impressive Premier League season, saying his rise has made Ghanaians proud and could be important to the Black Stars’ ambitions.
“He’s done brilliantly,” Ayew noted. “We all know the season he has had at Bournemouth. We just hope he continues doing it for Ghana and that we all perform well together as a team.”
Returning to Wales also brought back fond memories for Ayew, who enjoyed some of the best years of his club career with Swansea City.
The forward described the country as an important part of both his football journey and personal life.
“It’s always a pleasure to be back here,” he said. “I have really good friends and great memories in Wales. Hopefully we’ll win the game tomorrow.”
Despite Ghana losing their last four matches since October, Ayew remains optimistic about the future.
He acknowledged the disappointing run but insisted some performances had been more encouraging than the results suggested, particularly against Germany and Austria.
The captain urged Ghanaians to remain patient and support the team as they adjust to a new era under Queiroz.
“The past is the past,” Ayew stated. “There’s a new chapter now and we need to focus on what’s ahead of us. The country should stay positive about the squad, the team and the manager. Tomorrow is the first step and we want to start building from there.”
For Ghana, the Wales friendly will offer an early glimpse of how quickly Queiroz’s ideas are taking shape ahead of the World Cup. For Ayew, the message is one of belief, unity and renewal.
The Black Stars may be entering the tournament under scrutiny, but their captain insists the team still has enough quality, hunger and national pride to make an impact on the world stage.
