Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has dismissed suggestions that Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi should be included in the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest attackers, both eligible to represent Ghana, are reported to be open to switching allegiance ahead of next summer’s tournament following renewed efforts by the Ghana Football Association to secure their commitment.
Boateng, however, has urged the Black Stars’ technical team to resist the move, warning that their inclusion could disrupt team unity.
“They should not be called. I don’t think it is fair,” the former Fulham midfielder told Sporty FM.
Drawing on his experience with the national team, Boateng recalled an incident involving his brother, Kevin-Prince Boateng, during a World Cup qualifying campaign.
“I remember when we went to Congo for a qualifier and Kevin-Prince was invited but did not show up. When we later played England and he came to the hotel, we made sure he was not part of the squad,” he said.
Boateng stressed that harmony within the team must take precedence, arguing that late call-ups could unsettle the dressing room.
“Football is a team sport. Bringing them in now will create chaos and trouble in the national team because players already have strong bonds,” he added.
Nketiah, who has one cap for England, has scored four goals in all competitions for Crystal Palace this season. Hudson-Odoi, capped three times by England, has scored three goals for Nottingham Forest in the current campaign.
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