Ghana's head coach, Otto Addo, has issued a clear message to players eyeing a spot on the national team, emphasizing that those who express interest only shortly before major tournaments will not be considered.
This comes as he announced his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Addo underscored the importance of early commitment from potential recruits, particularly addressing the ongoing speculation around England-born players Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah.
"I reached out to them before our match against Nigeria in 2022, and they told me they needed more time," Addo said. "They still haven't joined, but the door remains open."
However, Addo was firm about the timing of such decisions: "Players who want to join the national team should do so early to get familiar with me, the team, the players, and Ghana as a whole—not just before a tournament. This is the only situation where I say the door is closed. If someone wants to join right before the World Cup, that is not possible."
Ghana is set to face Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by a match against Niger in Morocco four days later, as they aim to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON.
