Former Ghana international Sam Johnson famously known as 'Foyoo', has advised Greek-based left-back Baba Abdul Rahman to end his stay with the senior national team and focus on club football.
Baba, has been playing for the Black Stars since 2015 having represented the country both at the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup and has won over 50 international caps despite battling injuries at certain point.
However, early this year prior to the 2023 AFCON, the PAOK FC full-back opted out of the Black Stars squad despite being handed an invite and stated he will need a significant break from the national team as he seeked ample time to focus on himself and club football.
While many believed Baba stayed off the national team due to the harsh criticisms he's received from Ghanaians, the player recently stated he stayed off because of injuries and also wanted to focus on his fitness.
He further stated he is ready now to return to the Black Stars as he sees himself fully fit at the moment.
However, Sam Johnson, who also enjoyed a nine-year spell with the Black Stars, has cautioned Baba Rahman to stay away from the team especially the scrutiny he's come under in the last few years and dedicate himself fully to club football as he still got many years ahead of him.
“If I were him [Baba Rahman], I won’t come because he has suffered a lot from Ghanaians including some of us,” Sam Johnson told Pan-Africa Football.
“Because, it is not going well for him when he comes and we don’t see the Baba Rahman that we used to know and he has received a lot of criticisms from Ghanaians. If I were to be him, I don’t care whether I’m playing like Leonel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, I won’t come.
“But that decision is up to him but if I were to be him at this position or in his position, I won’t come. I’m done with the national team.”
Baba Abdul Rahman has started the ongoing campaign on a very blistering note and currently has 3 goals in ten appearances in the Greek Super League for PAOK FC.
