Black Stars legend Sam Johnson has questioned the commitment levels of some Ghana players following the team’s winless outing in the 2025 Kirin Cup.

Ghana lost 2–0 to Japan and fell 1–0 to South Korea ending the Asian tour without scoring a goal.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Johnson said while Ghana has the quality to compete, the players’ attitude on the pitch does not reflect the standard expected of the national team commenting that the contrast between how players perform for their clubs and how they perform for Ghana is troubling.

“We have the quality, I always say we have the quality but the commitment sometimes on the field of play doesn’t help the football country we used to be.”

Gideon Mensah. Photo Courtesy: Black stars X

He stressed that the players excel in Europe but struggle to replicate that level for the Black Stars.

“In their clubs, we all see what they are doing there. We see how good they are and the quality they have but when they come here, it’s like nothing sticks.”

Samuel Johnson, Ghana (Photo by Michael Steele/EMPICS via Getty Images)

Despite his concerns, Johnson believes Ghana can perform better at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the team is capable of competing at the highest level.

“It’s not all that difficult. They are going to play against the same people they play with over there so it’s going to be a different story altogether.”

Photo Courtesy: Black stars X

He added that Ghana must start showing improvement immediately to build confidence ahead of the tournament.

“They have to start doing something now. They have to give us hope I’m sure this time they will do something as far as the World Cup is concerned.”

All attention now shifts to December 5, when Ghana will learn its group-stage opponents for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.