Former Ghanaian midfielder Derek Boateng has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for failing to secure key European-born talents, pointing to Spain’s intervention as a reason for losing out on players like Nico Williams.
In an interview with Accra-based Kingdom FM, Boateng expressed frustration over Ghana’s inability to attract promising players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams. He believes the GFA should have acted sooner to engage these talents.
“How can we lose players like Kobbie Mainoo, Jeremy Doku, Jeremie Frimpong, and Nico Williams?” Boateng asked, as reported by Ghanaweb. “Inaki Williams is playing for us, but why couldn’t we get Nico? Because he is good and talented, Spain blocked his chances of playing for Ghana.”
Boateng emphasized the importance of being proactive in engaging with Europe-based players early on. He warned that waiting until they are established players could be too late, as their parents might not be open to switching allegiance if Ghana was not involved from the start.
The 41-year-old, who had a distinguished international career with Ghana from 2001 to 2013, including a notable role in the Black Satellites' runner-up finish at the 2001 U-20 FIFA World Cup, called for a more strategic approach in nurturing young talents. Nico Williams, who has impressed with his performances for Spain and played a significant role in La Roja's triumph in the 2024 European Championships, exemplifies the missed opportunities for Ghana to benefit from such emerging stars.
