Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has strongly criticised the possible inclusion of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that such a move could undermine fairness and disrupt team unity.
Speaking on Sporty FM, Boateng argued that players who were not part of the qualification journey should not be drafted into the squad at the final tournament stage. He stressed that international football must reward commitment, sacrifice and consistency, particularly during the demanding qualification campaign.
According to the former Black Stars enforcer, qualifiers are often played under difficult conditions, including poor pitches, intense travel schedules and high pressure, and it is only fair that players who endured those challenges are given priority at the World Cup.
Boateng cautioned that introducing players late in the process, especially at the expense of those who helped secure qualification, could create resentment within the camp and negatively affect team harmony.
Drawing on his own experiences with the national team, he recalled past situations where similar decisions caused tension among players, insisting that such disruptions can harm collective focus and performance on the biggest stage.
He maintained that unity and trust within the squad are critical at major tournaments, and any decision that appears to favour convenience over commitment could damage the spirit of the team.
Boateng concluded that the Black Stars’ World Cup squad should be built on merit, loyalty and contribution to the qualification process, rather than last-minute additions, no matter how talented the players may be.
