'It’s About Ghana, Not Ego': Nii Lante Vanderpuye pushes for Nketiah, Hudson-Odoi inclusion in Black Stars

Former Minister of Sports, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has urged Ghanaians and the Ghana Football Association to reconsider their position on Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

According to Nii Lante Vanderpuye, the duo are two quality players who will improve the Black Stars significantly at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

In a video sighted by GhanaWeb Sports, he stated that the duo are better than some of the players in the Black Stars.

“Eddie Nketiah is better than some of the strikers we’ve used so far. He has more experience, even at a young age.”

“For Callum Hudson-Odoi, his ability alone is enough. He has been tearing apart the players at Chelsea, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, City and we have him available and we say because we once invited him and he didn't come so we won't pick him," he said.

Nii Lante Vanderpuye also stated that their previous decisions to turn down Ghana should not be held against them, insisting their quality and experience make them deserving of a place in the Black Stars squad.

"We shouldn't be too emotional about certain things, its about Ghana and anybody who has Ghanaian blood should be given the opportunity to play for the Black Stars."

🎥 🇬🇭 “Eddie Nketiah is better than some of the strikers we’ve used so far. He has more experience, even at a young age.”

“For Callum Hudson-Odoi, his ability alone is enough,” — Nii Lante Vanderpuye backs an augmented Black Stars squad ahead of the World Cup.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/gkiqSNH8Ye

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) April 10, 2026