Why Asamoah Gyan was trending after Ghana's draw against Niger in AFCON qualifier

Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, became a trending topic on X (formerly known as Twitter) after Ghana's 1-1 draw against Niger in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier on September 9, 2024.

The Black Stars have yet to secure a win in the qualifying series, following the draw with Niger in Morocco.

Ghana initially took the lead in the first half with a powerful strike from Alidu Seidu, ending the half ahead.

However, after missing two significant chances, Niger equalized in stoppage time when Oumar Sako scored from a rebound, capitalizing on poor defending by Ghana.

Currently third in Group F, Ghana must defeat Sudan in their next match on October 7, 2024, to improve their chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.

Some X users pointed out that since Gyan retired from the national team, the Black Stars have struggled in various competitions and qualifying matches and also blamed the players for not playing passionately for the nation.

Others suggested that if the former Sunderland player were part of the current Black Stars team, scoring goals would not be as challenging as it is now.

Gyan is the all-time leading goal scorer for the Ghana national team, with 51 goals. He represented Ghana at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 FIFA World Cups. With 6 goals, he is the top African goal scorer in World Cup history.

Asamoah Gyan also represented Ghana at the 2004 Summer Olympics and in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2017), helping the team finish third in 2008 and as runners-up in 2010 and 2015.

Read some of the comments below:

The players no dey play with passion Aswear 😭😭herr black stars.. we miss asamoah gyan and his squad pic.twitter.com/kbGEKcidq0

— NKAWKAW KALYJAY🇬🇭📌 (@phlow_dherly_) September 9, 2024

You guys compared kudus to Asamoah Gyan some years back

— Albarshir (@Albarshir1) September 9, 2024

So sad! eei! Ɛnti Asamoah Gyan Black Stars paaa ni?

— Kavertz (@Danzak355) September 9, 2024

Waking up on a morning and seeing Asamoah Gyan, Hugo Rodallega and Stephane Sessegnon compilations. Long may the #Barclaysmen trend continue, I miss this era of football so much.

— Liam Sullivan (@LiamSullivan73) September 10, 2024

if Asamoah Gyan had scored that penalty against Uruguay, we could have won 2-1 against Niger today pic.twitter.com/PFBYgo9hw5

— Agent Of Laughter 💔🤣 (@AgentOfLaugh7) September 9, 2024