Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has spoken out against the possible inclusion of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Boateng, their selection would bring no added value to the team.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Boateng argued that players who were not involved in the qualification process should not be introduced at the final stage.
“They should not invite them. Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah, no,” Boateng said. “I don’t think it’s fair. It’s not fair for the rest of the players.”
To underline his point, Boateng referred to a past experience involving Kevin-Prince Boateng during his own time with the national team.
“I remember we went for AFCON qualifiers, tough conditions, bad pitches, and Kevin-Prince Boateng didn’t show up,” he said. “But when we had a game in England, he came to the hotel. The players insisted he would not play, and the FA made sure he left the camp. He would not play.”
Boateng stressed that commitment during difficult qualification matches should carry weight.
“You cannot skip qualifiers and then show up when it’s convenient. It will not happen,” he added.
He also warned that inviting such players could disrupt harmony within the squad.
“Football is teamwork. Bringing them will create chaos. Players have friendships. If you’ve been grinding through qualifiers and someone else is invited ahead of you, it will affect the spirit.”
While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Boateng said the players themselves were not entirely to blame.
“From the beginning, nobody was there for them,” he said, while maintaining his view that they should not be called up.
Ghana have been drawn alongside Panama, England and Croatia at next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
By: Pascal Amoah
