No Free World Cup Pass! Derek Boateng Blocks Hudson-Odoi, Nketiah from Black Stars
Ex-Ghana international Derek Boateng has rejected suggestions that dual-nationality players Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah should be drafted into the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting such a decision would be inappropriate. The England-born pair have sparked discussion since Ghana booked a place at next year’s tournament, despite neither taking part in the qualification campaign nor openly declaring a commitment to represent Ghana after multiple approaches by the FA in the past. In an interview with Sporty FM, Derek argued that fairness and dedication must guide selection, recounting an experience where Kelvin-Prince Boateng failed to join the team for a crucial qualifier in Congo but later tried to return ahead of a match against England, a move the squad firmly opposed. He cautioned that football depends heavily on unity and collective spirit, and introducing players at a late stage could unsettle the dressing room and strain existing relationships. Nketiah, who has just one senior appearance for England, has scored four goals in all competitions for Crystal Palace this season, while Hudson-Odoi, capped three times by England, has recorded three goals for Nottingham Forest. Ghana, meanwhile, will begin their Group L campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia, with Derek expressing belief in the Black Stars’ ability to compete with the European sides but warning that Panama, making only their second World Cup appearance, should not be underestimated, stressing the need to secure maximum points in that opening fixture.
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