Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi has called on the Black Stars technical team to seriously consider inviting Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah to Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nyantakyi’s remarks come in the wake of Ghana’s historic fifth qualification for football’s biggest tournament. The renewed debate surrounding England-born, Ghana-eligible players has grown as fans and analysts discuss the importance of assembling the strongest possible squad for the global stage.
Speaking on JoyNews, Nyantakyi emphasised that selection should focus on the ability of players to strengthen the team, rather than on sentiment or past decisions about international allegiance.
“The Black Stars is open to every Ghanaian eligible to play,” he said. “Some people get emotional and say, ‘This player rejected Ghana,’ but football is about results. I care about players who can help us deliver.”
He further stated that head coach Otto Addo and his technical team must prioritise performance, form, and tactical suitability when choosing players for the World Cup.
“If the coach believes players like Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi can compete at the highest level, we must set our emotions aside and give them the opportunity,” Nyantakyi added.
Both players have been approached by the GFA in the past to switch allegiance to Ghana, but the efforts did not materialise. Nketiah, now a striker for Crystal Palace, has scored four goals in all competitions this season and holds one senior England cap.
Hudson-Odoi, playing for Nottingham Forest, has three caps for England and has scored three goals this season, showcasing his pace, creativity, and versatility on the wings.
Ghana has been drawn into Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Black Stars will face Panama, England, and Croatia. Squad depth and international experience will be crucial for navigating such a competitive group, making the inclusion of every eligible talent a key consideration for Addo.
The final squad announcement is expected on June 1, and Addo has the responsibility of building a balanced team that can compete at the highest level while ensuring tactical flexibility. Nyantakyi believes Ghana’s ambition to compete globally must be matched by bold and strategic selection decisions.
In conclusion, while the ultimate decision rests with Otto Addo, Kwesi Nyantakyi’s public endorsement of Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah underscores the importance of utilising all eligible talent.
Their inclusion could prove pivotal in Ghana’s campaign as the Black Stars aim to make a significant impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and cement their status among football’s elite nations.
