Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has spoken strongly against the possible inclusion of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah in Ghanas squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting their addition would bring no value to the Black Stars.Speaking on Sporty FM, Boateng argued that players who were not part of the qualification journey should not be considered at the final stage, warning that such decisions could undermine team unity and fairness.They should not invite them. Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah, no, Boateng said. I dont think its fair. Its not fair for the rest of the players.To support his point, Boateng referenced the past case of Kevin-Prince Boateng, recalling an incident during his own time with the national team.I remember we went for AFCON qualifiers, tough conditions, bad pitches, and Kevin-Prince Boateng didnt 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 matter. You cannot skip qualifiers and then show up when its 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 youve been grinding through qualifiers and someone else is invited ahead of you, it will affect the spirit.
Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah will add nothing to Black Stars – Derek Boateng fires #SportyDrive pic.twitter.com/d7L2SEUmcE
— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) December 18, 2025 While critical, Boateng acknowledged that the situation was complex, noting that the players themselves should not be entirely blamed. From the beginning, nobody was there for them, he said, but maintained his stance that they should not be called up.Ghana will face Panama, England and Croatia at next year’s tournament which will be co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
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