Sports Minister Denies Asking Black Queens To Boycott Egypt Match

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has denied reports claiming he told the Black Queens to boycott their upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Egypt.

The Black Queens have refused to train over unpaid bonuses from their 2024 WAFCON campaign in Morocco. Each player is owed $9,500 in bonuses from the tournament, which ended in July.

Reports circulating on social media alleged that the Minister told the team they could go ahead with their boycott and would be replaced by other players once any potential sanctions from CAF were resolved.

Speaking in an interview with Asempa FM, Kofi Adams dismissed the claims as false and misleading.
“Why would I say that, why would I spend my time driving all the way to their camp and tell them they (Black Queens) can boycott if they want to. So this morning, we are shocked to see (the stories). I may not blame them (players) entirely,” he said.

He added: “If they (Black Queens) insist (by boycotting), it will affect the nation, but the nation will be back. But as for you involved in the boycott, you will forever walk with that tag on you, I said so.”

The misunderstanding threatens Ghana’s qualification chances for the 2026 WAFCON, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Ghana currently leads Egypt 3–0 from the first leg, with the return match scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a statement denying reports that the Minister “called off the bluff” of the players during a meeting.

The GFA clarified that a meeting was held between the Minister, the GFA President, and the Black Queens’ leadership to discuss unpaid allowances and preparations for the second-leg match. During the meeting, the Minister appealed to the players to stay focused and assured them that steps were being taken to address their financial concerns.

The Association emphasized that at no point did the Minister instruct the team to boycott the match or make any confrontational remarks.

The GFA urged the media and public to disregard false reports and rely on official information from the Association and the Ministry. It also called on Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Queens and fill the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday to support the team as they aim to qualify for the 2026 WAFCON.

Caption: Kofi Adams