2026 CAF WCQ : Abukari Damba questions players’ intrinsic motivation under Hughton

Former Black Stars Player, Abukari Damba, has questioned the players’ intrinsic motivation under Chris Hughton following another lackluster display against Comoros in the second group I game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Myziane Maolida’s solitary strike condemned the Black Stars to a second defeat against Comoros in a competitive fixture.

The Black Stars occupy fourth on the group standings with 3 points, behind Madagascar, Mali & Comoros heading into the next set of qualifiers in June 2024.

Damba who spoke to Citi Sports in an exclusive interview, pinned the latest defeat in the World Cup qualifiers to some players not committing to the cause under the tutelage of Head Coach Chris Hughton.

I always talk about the intrinsic motivation of these players, are these players self motivated enough to play for the national team, these are some of the questions that we always have to ask.

But that notwithstanding, i still think we have the opportunity to redeem ourselves[Black Stars], both players and the technical team.

So far, it is not looking too good, but i believe we can always make it better.

Again, emphasis on intrinsic motivation, whether they are self motivated enough to be called upon to play for the senior national team.

How do players feel when invited to come and play for the national, all these are questions that need to be answered.

How do they approach games? he quizzed.

Whether they play their hearts out and then we juxtapose that with what they play at the various clubs, then we can tell.

Chris Hughton’s men will now switch focus to the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire commencing next year, in January.

The Black Stars have been paired with seven-time AFCON Champions Egypt, Mozambique & Cape Verde for the tournament.

Ghana exited at the group stage in the last edition, following a 3-2 loss to Comoros in the final group game under former Coach Milovan Rajevac