Prominent Ghanaian preacher, Prophet Roja, has appealed to the technical handlers of the Black Stars to reconsider captain Jordan Ayew’s role in the Ghana starting line-up ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup encounter against England.
In a video circulating on social media on Sunday, June 21, 2026, the clergyman, while speaking to his congregation, called on GFA President Kurt Okraku and other football authorities to leave Ayew out of the starting lineup despite retaining him as team captain.
“We are appealing to the GFA president and those in charge. We do not want Jordan Ayew to start the match. Sometimes you have to pay attention to what the people are saying. He can keep the captain’s armband, but he should begin the game from the bench,” Prophet Roja stated.
The preacher argued that many Ghanaian supporters are becoming increasingly concerned about the captain’s recent displays, particularly during the Black Stars’ opening World Cup fixture against Panama.
Reflecting on that match, Prophet Roja claimed the encounter caused significant anxiety among supporters and suggested that many fans could have suffered health complications if not for the prayers offered by some Ghanaians.
According to him, Ayew’s style of play has become a source of tension for football enthusiasts across the country.
“The hearts of many supporters are under pressure. He goes down too often and keeps giving us scares. During the game against Panama, if it hadn’t been for the prayers of some Ghanaians, several fans might have ended up at the hospital,” he remarked.
Prophet Roja further called on religious leaders and citizens nationwide to unite in prayer for the Black Stars as they continue their World Cup campaign and prepare for their highly anticipated showdown with England.
Ghana will play England in their second Group fixtures of the ongoing FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, June 23, at 8:00 PM.
