2026 World Cup: Otto Addo must pick winners over loyalty - George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice-President, George Afriyie, has said that Black Stars coach Otto Addo must not be forced to invite players like Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi for 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With less than four months until Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17, the debate over the England-born duo has intensified.

Both players previously declined invitations to represent Ghana but have recently expressed their readiness to feature following the nation’s qualification to the World Cup.

Ghana finds itself in Group L alongside Panama, England, and Croatia, a challenging group that has sparked conversations about squad depth and quality.

In an interview with Graphic Sports, Afriyie stressed that selection should be based on merit rather than emotion.

“The Black Stars belong to every Ghanaian everywhere so long as he is a Ghanaian and a footballer in top shape, playing in the top league and qualifies to play for the Black Stars, I don’t see why he cannot be invited,” he said.

He added that the final call lies with Addo.

“If, in the wisdom of Otto Addo, looking at the squad depth now, the addition of these two players can make an impact and help Ghana at the World Cup, it depends on the coach.”

Afriyie noted that hesitation from overseas-born players is not unusual, citing Spain-born Ghana international Inaki Williams, who only committed to the Black Stars later in his career despite earlier approaches.

“Yes, there was a time when we needed them, yet they were looking at England and all that, but ask why today Inaki Williams is playing for the Black Stars at the tail end of his career when we started pursuing him long ago,” he said.

“Kwesi Nyantakyi and I invited Inaki’s father to the GFA boardroom, but it took Kurt Simeon-Okraku [current GFA president] years later to convince him to come. Ask why Inaki’s junior brother [Nico] is playing for Spain and not Ghana.”

On timing, Afriyie believes it should be left to the players and the coach.

“At any point in time, if the player feels that this is the time to play for Ghana, why not? If the coach thinks that Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi both born in England to Ghanaian parents but previously represented England merit a place in the Black Stars and they can help win matches, why not? Who decides who a Black Stars player is or who should be called?” he added.