The Black Queens’ camp has plunged into turmoil as players boycott training and vow not to play Tuesday’s crucial 2026 WAFCON qualifier second leg against Egypt at the Accra Sports Stadium until their outstanding $9,500 bronze medal bonuses from the 2025 Morocco tournament are paid in full.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku and Head of National Teams Alex Asante left the team’s hotel after a tense meeting on Monday morning, with no resolution in sight as the standoff enters its third day.
The dispute escalated after the squad’s 3-0 first-leg win in Ismailia on October 21, where the players—still awaiting payments promised post-third-place finish—refused sessions on Saturday and Sunday, demanding immediate settlement before the return fixture that could secure qualification for the Morocco-hosted finals.
“The players remain firm in their decision not to play tomorrow’s match against Egypt until their outstanding payments are settled,” a team source confirmed, echoing reports of frustration over the GFA’s “lukewarm approach.”
Okraku’s visit, alongside Asante, aimed to broker peace, but players held firm, citing repeated delays since the July 2025 WAFCON bronze—Ghana’s best since 2018.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams, who met the team earlier, denied daring them to boycott but assured payments “will be settled soon,” with the Presidency reportedly ordering immediate release.
The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) and GFA urged calm, with Okraku stating, “We’re working tirelessly to resolve this for our Queens.”
The boycott risks forfeiting the tie—Egypt needs a four-goal win to advance—but players, led by captain Jennifer Cudjoe, prioritize accountability, with striker Evelyn Badu tweeting, “Bonuses earned in sweat deserve prompt payment.
This echoes the Black Stars’ 2022 AFCON bonus saga, costing $1 million in fines. With the Presidency intervening and training resuming post-meeting, the October 28 clash hangs in balance—Ghana’s WAFCON hopes on the line amid a fight for fairness.
