Ghana Coach Otto Addo Waxes Lyrical on Jordan Ayew Ahead of Nigeria Game

• Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has highlighted the importance of Jordan Ayew to the team ahead of the reverse World Cup play-off tie against Nigeria
• The Crystal Palace forward was jeered in the first leg of the World Cup final eliminator, but Otto Addo believes there is more to Jordan's game than scoring goals
• Jordan will be expected to play a starring role as the Black Stars chase a fourth appearance at the global showpiece when Ghana plays as guests to Nigeria in the all-important 2nd leg of the World Cup play-off

Interim manager of the Black Stars Otto Addo has heaped praise on underfire forward Jordan Ayew ahead of Ghana's crunch tie against Nigeria.

Jordan came under scrutiny in the first instalment of the World Cup play-offs between Ghana and their Nigerian counterparts staged at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium last Friday.

The Crystal Palace man was booed by the home crowd when he was subbed off by coach Otto Addo in the dying embers of the game.

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The goal-shy forward has received a lot of warmth since the unfortunate incident in Kumasi and coach Otto Addo has once again leapt to the defence of Jordan.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the big game today, the German-trained tactician stressed the importance of Jordan to the team.

"Whether Jordan stays on the pitch or comes off the pitch, the decision is mine. If you have something to say, say it to me. I know in Africa that people acknowledge more offensive action but if you see what Jordan did defensively, this has much worth."

"He's a leader. He's the only person on this team who has been to the World Cup before so we really need him."

Fans boo Jordan Ayew in the first instalment of the Ghana-Nigeria blockbuster

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the disaffection for Ghana international and Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew has reached a dizzying height.

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Supporters in the football-crazy country have over a period of time singled out the former Olympique Marseille man as a liability to the senior men's national team, Black Stars.

Despite the public outcry for his exclusion from the Black Stars squad, the 30-year-old attacker has always found favour in the eyes of the technical handlers.