Former Ghana Premier League coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu has raised doubts about the potential return of Andre Ayew to the Ghana national football team, as discussions continue over the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Osei-Fosu, who currently serves as assistant coach of the Sudan national football team, believes it may be time for the experienced forward to step aside and allow younger players to take their place in the national team.
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“He might be a very, very good player,” Osei-Fosu said in an interview with Luv FM. “But you ask yourself in this current setup, is he needed?”
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‎“Dede is my man, but for me, you leave when the applause is high. Dede himself should let it go and then focus on his club football,” he added.
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The remarks come amid growing debate over whether Ayew should be part of Ghana’s plans for the upcoming tournament. Kofi Adams, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, recently said he would not be surprised if the veteran forward is included in the squad.
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Ayew, who joined Dutch side NAC Breda as a free agent in January, has shown encouraging form. The forward scored on Sunday as Breda played out a 3–3 draw with Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
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‎Despite being 34, Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most decorated footballers. He has represented the Black Stars at four World Cups and has yet to officially retire from international football.
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Osei-Fosu also pointed to examples from European football, suggesting some players choose to step away from international duty to focus on their clubs, referencing former Italian legend Francesco Totti.
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‎Black Stars head coach Otto Addo is expected to announce Ghana’s final squad for the World Cup on June 1, a decision that could determine whether Ayew makes a return to the national team for the global tournament.