Former Ignatius Osei-Fosu, who previously served as an assistant coach of Ghana’s national team, has questioned whether Andre Ayew should return to the Ghana national football team as discussions continue over the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Osei-Fosu, who currently works as an assistant coach for Sudan national football team, suggested that it may be time for the experienced forward to step aside and allow a new generation of players to take charge of the team.
Speaking in an interview with Luv FM, he acknowledged Ayew’s impressive career but questioned whether the veteran attacker is still needed in the current setup.
“He might be a very, very good player, but you ask yourself in this current setup, is he needed?” he said.
“Is he needed? For me, no. Dede is my man, but for me you leave when the applause is high,” Osei-Fosu added.
According to him, the 36-year-old forward should consider focusing fully on his club career rather than seeking a return to the national team.
“Dede himself should let it go and then focus on his club football,” he said.
The comments come after Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, stated that he would not be surprised if Ayew is included in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming World Cup tournament.
Ayew currently plays for Dutch side NAC Breda, which he joined in January after spending nearly a year as a free agent.
Since joining the club, the veteran forward has started just three matches.
Despite the recent debate, Andre Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most accomplished footballers. The forward has represented the Black Stars at four World Cup tournaments and served as a long-time captain of the national team.
He has not officially announced his retirement from international football.
However, Osei-Fosu believes national team selection should be based on the present needs of the squad rather than past achievements.
According to him, stepping aside at the right moment can help preserve a player’s legacy.
Drawing a comparison, he mentioned former Italian football legend Francesco Totti, who stepped away from international football to focus on club commitments during his career.
For Osei-Fosu, the key question remains whether the Black Stars should prioritise experience or focus on rebuilding the squad with younger players ahead of future international competitions.
Osei-Fosu Questions Andre Ayew’s Possible Black Stars Return