Mas-Ud Didi Dramani, a former assistant coach of Ghana's senior national team has expressed support for the possible inclusion of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two England-born players are reported to be reconsidering their international futures, with both eligible to represent Ghana. Their absence from coach Otto Addo’s recent 26-man squad for friendly matches against Austria and Germany has renewed debate among supporters.
Dramani, now head coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, said while he supports their inclusion, building a strong team requires time and careful planning.
“I personally think team building takes time, and too many new faces may not find the cohesion and fluidity needed for team chemistry. Three months is too short to introduce too much freshness,” he told Graphic Sports.
Both Nketiah, who plays for Crystal Palace, and Hudson-Odoi of Nottingham Forest were left out of the squad for the upcoming games, which are part of Ghana’s preparations for the World Cup.
Despite this, Dramani was clear about the level of quality they could bring.
“Ghana has been fortunate to have quality in the wide areas, but the quality of these two players is huge. I remember we made several attempts to get them to join the Black Stars before and after Qatar,” he said.
He also urged patience, noting that switching national teams is a major personal decision for players.
“These are lifetime decisions, and players need time to make such long-term choices about their careers. I’m not sure of their current status, but no one can doubt the quality and ability they would bring to the team,” he added.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, with Ghana securing one of Africa’s nine qualification places.
It will be the country’s fifth appearance at the World Cup, having previously played in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022. Ghana’s best performance came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals.
By: Pascal Amoah
