Nurudeen Amadu, coach of Samartex, says that his player Emmanuel Keyekeh should have been included in the Black Stars squad for the recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Despite the selection of three home-based players, Amadu believes that Keyekeh's consistent performances in the Ghana Premier League warranted his inclusion in the national team.

Expressing his disappointment over Keyekeh's omission, Amadu highlighted the midfielder's potential contribution to the Black Stars, emphasizing his impressive form in the domestic league.

"Emmanuel Keyekeh ought to have been called up to the Black Stars, in my opinion. He could have added more value to the team, given his performance in the Ghana Premier League," Amadu stated in an interview with Akoma FM.

Amadu stressed the importance of recognizing local talents like Keyekeh, particularly when established professionals fail to deliver. He urged national team selectors to consider deserving local players for opportunities on the international stage.

"This sentiment is shared not only by me but also by other coaches who recognize his exceptional abilities on the field. If the seasoned professionals are unable to deliver, it's time to give deserving local players the chance to showcase their skills," Amadu emphasized.

While acknowledging the inclusion of Richmond Lamptey, Amadu suggested that Keyekeh's outstanding form and statistics in the local league warranted closer attention from national team managers.

"Richmond Lamptey could have performed better, considering his performance in the local league, but unfortunately, that opportunity was missed. In football, it's crucial to provide players with opportunities to prove themselves," Amadu concluded, advocating for a more inclusive approach to squad selection.