Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel believes former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew could become an important figure in efforts to change and develop Ghanaian football.
Mikel made the comments after arriving in Ghana for a special live recording of his Obi One Podcast, scheduled for Sunday, 23 August 2026, at PitStop Bar in Cantonments.
Ayew will be the headline guest at the much-anticipated event, where the pair are expected to discuss his career, Ghana football and his ambitions for the future.
Speaking about Ayew’s status in Ghanaian football, Mikel described him as both an outstanding player and an impressive person. He also suggested that Ayew’s experience at the highest level of the game could make him a significant influence in the country’s football development.
“He’s the main man. You talk about the legends in Ghana football, you talk about Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, the guys that I played against. Of course, then you talk about Andre Ayew. I think he’s a top player,” Mikel said.
“But he’s a great guy. He’s a top player, a great human being. I think if you talk about African football, I think he might be the guy that can bring some change to Ghanaian football.”
Mikel’s remarks come amid wider discussions across Africa about whether former players should take more prominent roles in the administration and long-term development of football.
Ayew remains Ghana’s most-capped senior international and has enjoyed a distinguished career with the Black Stars. He was part of the Ghana team that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009, when the country became the first African nation to lift the trophy.
The forward went on to become a central figure in the senior national team. He represented Ghana at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, as well as at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Ayew was also involved in the Black Stars sides that finished as runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2010 and 2015.
He was not selected for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup squad, but his involvement in the country’s football has continued. The 36-year-old has remained supportive of Ghana’s various national teams and continues to maintain close ties with the wider football community.
Ayew is currently involved with Nania FC, the club owned by his father and Ghana legend Abedi Pele. He is continuing his football journey while considering the next stage of his career.
His extensive experience with the Black Stars and at the highest levels of the sport has led to suggestions that he could eventually move into football administration. Some have called for him to consider taking up a future role within the Ghana Football Association.
The live podcast recording in Accra will give Ayew an opportunity to speak publicly about his career, his relationship with Ghanaian football and the direction he believes the sport should take.
Mikel’s public backing has added further interest to the event, particularly because the former Nigeria international believes Ayew could help bring meaningful change to football in Ghana. Attention will now turn to what the former Black Stars captain says when the two former African football stars meet.
