Derek Boateng opposes inclusion of Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah in Black Stars squad

Ex-Ghana international Derek Boateng has voiced strong opposition to the possible inclusion of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah in the Black Stars’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that their addition would undermine fairness and team unity.

Speaking on Sporty FM, Boateng insisted that players who were not part of the qualification journey should not be considered at the final stage.

“They should not invite them. Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah, no. I don’t think it’s fair. It’s not fair for the rest of the players.”

Boateng’s Key Arguments

On fairness: Players who endured the qualifiers should not be displaced by late arrivals.

On past precedent:

“I remember we went for AFCON qualifiers, tough conditions, bad pitches, and Kevin-Prince Boateng didn’t show up. 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.”

On team harmony:

“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.”

Acknowledging Complexity

While critical, Boateng admitted the situation is nuanced, noting that the players themselves should not be entirely blamed:

Nonetheless, he maintained his stance that they should not be called up for the World Cup.

Ghana’s Group L Fixtures at World Cup 2026

• June 17 – vs Panama (Toronto, Canada)
• June 23 – vs England (Boston, USA)
• June 27 – vs Croatia (Philadelphia, USA)

Boateng’s comments add weight to the ongoing debate within Ghanaian football circles over whether dual-eligible stars like Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah should be drafted in for the World Cup. His intervention highlights the tension between quality reinforcement and loyalty to those who fought through qualification, a dilemma that could shape squad selection ahead of Ghana’s fifth Mundial appearance.