Don’t invite diaspora players just because of the World Cup – Agyemang Badu tells GFA

Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu wants diaspora players to participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and not just the World Cup.

Ghana are returning to the mundial after overcoming Nigeria in the play-off to book a ticket for Qatar this November.

Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi, Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu amongst others have been targeted for the Mundial.

Athletic Bilbao brothers Nico Williams and Inaki Williams as well as Dortmund youngster Ansgar Knauff are also in Ghana’s list ahead of the biggest soccer mundial.

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah recently confirms his desire to play for the Black Stars.

But in interview with Accra-based Max FM, the former Udinese star called on the Ghana FA not to rush in handing call ups to diaspora players just because of the World Cup.

According to him, players who are ready to switch nationality because of the mundial must be ready to participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“We should not rush and call players just because of the World Cup and lose them after. Those who wouldn’t have any problem switching nationality must be ready for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers so they get familiar with the terrain. It shouldn’t be that the player plays the World Cup and that’s it”.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group H of the World Cup along with European giants Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.

The four-time African Champions has been paired in Group H against European giants, Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.

They will open their account against Portugal on November 24 before taking on South Korea in the second group game on November 28 and Uruguay in the last round four days later.