They couldn’t even qualify for the AFCON – Edwin Gadayi slams the Black Stars

Ghanaian sprinter, Edwin Gadayi has criticised the Black Stars over their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, using the moment to highlight what he describes as a wider imbalance in how sports are supported in Ghana.

Speaking in Botswana, Gadayi did not hold back as he questioned why football continues to receive the most attention and investment despite recent struggles on the international stage.

“Every time it's about football. If it's about athletics, it is very terrible. When we go for competitions, we normally bring medals. But when it comes to football, Black Stars, and stuff, it is something we can't talk about. Even in the recent AFCON, they couldn't qualify,” he said.

He further stressed Ghana’s need for greater backing in athletics than in football, as athletes deliver for the country.

Athletics Star Edwin Gadayi laments lack of support compared to Black Stars

“When we get to the world stage, we normally manage to bring something home, but the support we need is not coming like how it is going to football,” he added.

His comments come shortly after a difficult spell for Ghana’s relay team in Gaborone, where athletes expressed concerns over preparation and support conditions.

Sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Abdul Rasheed Saminu had earlier voiced similar frustrations, and Gadayi has now added his voice to the growing debate.

Despite the challenges, Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team managed to secure qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, offering a rare positive outcome from a difficult period.

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