Former Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has revealed that André Dede Ayew is not bothered about being left out of the Black Stars squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
According to Agyemang-Badu, he spoke with Ayew after the squad announcement, and the Le Havre forward remains unshaken by his exclusion from the national team.
“I spoke to Dede Ayew, and he is not worried,” Agyemang-Badu said during an interview with Connect FM.
The retired footballer noted that, although Dede’s recent performances for his club side have improved, head coach Otto Addo’s decision to exempt him from the squad should be respected by the players and the public.
“We all know that player selection for the Black Stars is based on performance. Dede is delivering, but we must respect the coach’s choice,” he added.
Before the squad was announced, Dede Ayew reaffirmed his commitment to the national team, stating that he has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Coach Otto Addo’s squad selection saw Thomas Partey return after a brief absence, while Ayew was once again excluded.
Ghana’s Black Stars will take on Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on March 21, 2025, before traveling to face Madagascar on March 24, 2025.
The team currently sits second in Group I with nine points, the same as leaders Comoros. Madagascar is third with seven points, while Mali follows with five.