Former Black Stars forward Augustine Ahinful has shared a candid assessment of his career, personal life, and the current state of Ghana football in an interview on GhanaWeb’s Sports Check with Frank-Kamal Acheampong.

Ahinful reflected on his journey to Europe, describing it as his “first real test,” where he faced both professional and personal challenges.

He revealed that his biggest setback came from a betrayal by a former teammate, an experience that shaped his outlook on the game.

Despite these difficulties, he believes his younger self would be satisfied with what he achieved in football.

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Speaking on the Black Stars, Ahinful dismissed claims of past divisions within the squad, insisting that issues surrounding captaincy were caused by management rather than players.

He stressed that current national team selection must be based strictly on merit, noting that Dede Ayew must earn his place if he is to be part of Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He also turned his attention to the domestic game, criticizing how coaching is handled in the Ghana Premier League and warning that the league could continue to decline if issues such as superstition and poor structures are not addressed.

He added that local players must improve their performances if they are to secure opportunities with the national team.

On a personal note, Ahinful opened up about the loss of his wife to liver cancer shortly after childbirth, describing it as a life-altering moment.

Ahinful also expressed confidence that Ghana can surpass its performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the right structure and direction when they play at the 2026 World Cup.

Watch the full interview below:



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