Former President John Dramani Mahama has thrown his full support behind the Black Stars, assuring them that the entire nation stands with them ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad on Friday.

Mahama made this pledge during a visit to the team's training session at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, encouraging the players to rise above recent setbacks and make Ghana proud.

"The whole of Ghana is going to be behind you, and I am sure you're going to make us proud," he told the squad, boosting their morale ahead of the crucial match.

Acknowledging the emotional intensity of watching live football, Mahama revealed that he had been advised to prepare himself before the game.

"I will take time off and watch the game myself. Even though my heart is not very good at watching soccer, I will brave it [to watch you on Friday]," he shared with the team.

In a lighthearted moment, he also mentioned a piece of advice he received regarding his match preparations.

"They said I should eat before I go and sit down, and my hope is that you'll justify my sitting and watching you guys," he added, drawing laughter from the players.

The Black Stars, eager to bounce back from their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying campaign, will host Chad on March 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium before traveling to Morocco to face Madagascar on March 24. The matches are crucial in their bid to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.