Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has weighed in on the ongoing discussions about Asante Kotoko defender Samba O’Neil potentially joining the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Congolese centre-back has impressed over the last two seasons in the Ghana Premier League, establishing himself as one of the league’s standout defenders. His performances have sparked calls for Ghanaian football authorities to engage him in a naturalisation process and secure his services for the national team.
Speaking in an interview with Akoma FM, Agyemang-Badu acknowledged O’Neil’s talent but argued that now is not the right time to consider him for the Black Stars.
“Samba O’Neil is a very good player, and someone I admire greatly,” Badu said. “But I don’t think this is the right time to have that conversation. We cannot take him to the World Cup. Perhaps we can revisit the discussion after the tournament, but for now, it’s a clear no.”
Despite public calls for his inclusion, Ghanaian football leaders have yet to show any interest in pursuing the defender, leaving O’Neil’s potential Black Stars career on hold for the time being.
