has cautioned against the inclusion of Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the Black Stars’ squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, arguing that their late decision to represent Ghana could undermine team unity.
Speaking on the matter on Sporty FM, Boateng stressed that the national team should not be treated as a fallback option for players who fail to secure opportunities with European countries.
“To be honest, I don’t think they will add anything significant to the team right now. We need to be very careful. The Black Stars is not a place for players to come and ‘try their luck’ when they realise they can’t play for England or other European countries,” he said.
Boateng, who featured prominently for Ghana during his playing career, emphasized that representing the Black Stars requires more than just talent, demands passion and commitment from the very beginning.
“Football is not just about talent on paper; it’s about the heart. When we were playing, we gave everything for the jersey. You can’t wait until you are 24 or 25, after you’ve been rejected elsewhere, and then decide you are Ghanaian,” he added.
He further warned that bringing in players at this stage could disrupt the chemistry of the squad, particularly for those who fought through the qualifiers to earn Ghana’s place at the tournament.
“If you want to play for Ghana, you should be proud to do it from the start. Bringing them in now can even destroy the team chemistry because the players who fought through the qualifiers will feel disrespected.”
Boateng’s comments add to the ongoing debate about dual-nationality players and their role in Ghana’s football future, as the Black Stars prepare for another World Cup campaign.
