Former Ghana international Derek Boateng has firmly opposed calls for the inclusion of diaspora players Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The England-based duo have come under renewed discussion following Ghana’s qualification for the global showpiece.
However, neither player featured during the qualifiers nor fully committed to a nationality switch despite earlier approaches from the Ghana FA.
Derek Boateng believes rewarding such players with World Cup call-ups would be unfair to those who carried the qualification campaign.
“They should not be called. I don’t think it is fair,” Derek told Sporty FM.
He referenced a past personal experience involving Kelvin-Prince Boateng to highlight the importance of commitment and unity.
According to him, late additions could disrupt harmony within the squad.
“Football is a teamwork and bringing them will create a lot of chaos and trouble in the national team. Players have friends in the national team,” he added.
Despite their individual club form in England this season, Derek insists the Black Stars must prioritise loyalty and chemistry.
