Former Youth and Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has welcomed the inclusion of England-born duo Eddie Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2025 World Cup tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, with Ghana securing one of Africa’s nine automatic slots.
Following the draw in Washington on December 5, the West African football heavyweights has been paired in Group L giants European giants, England, 2018 World Cup finalist, Croatia and Panama.
It will be Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals.
However, Vanderpuye has argued that Ghana’s chances of making a meaningful impact at the tournament depend on casting the widest possible net when selecting players for the Black Stars.
According to him, all Ghanaian players excelling across leagues worldwide should be considered for the mundial, while making a case for Eddie Nketiah and Hudson Odoi.
He affirmed that the duo who previously represented England at youth level are now more crucial than ever—particularly given that Ghana have been drawn in the same group as England.
“The good thing is that we are going to play against England,” he said on Onua TV‘s Maakye show.
“It will rather give us a psychological advantage over them. They won’t have that overconfidence.
“Imagine having Jordan [Ayew], [Antoine] Semenyo, Eddie Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi in attack! It makes us stronger.”
The former sports broadcaster stressed that beyond individual talent, unity and collective effort will be decisive if Ghana are to progress from the group stage. He added that head coach Otto Addo should remain in charge but must be adequately backed by the football authorities to succeed.
Ultimately, Vanderpuye’s comments highlight the urgency for strategic planning and bold decision-making as Ghana prepares for the global stage.
With the right blend of experience, emerging talent and institutional support, he believes the Black Stars can restore belief among fans and present a far more formidable challenge at the 2026 World Cup.
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