Former Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has weighed in on calls to include Asante Kotoko defender Samba O’Neil in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Congolese centre-back has been a standout performer in the Ghana Premier League over the past two seasons, earning a reputation as one of the country’s top defenders. His consistent displays have sparked campaigns urging Ghanaian football authorities to pursue his naturalisation, with many suggesting he could strengthen the national team’s backline.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Akoma FM, Badu acknowledged O’Neil’s quality but insisted that this is not the right time to consider him for the World Cup.
“Samba O’Neil is a very good player, and I have a lot of admiration for him, but I don’t think this is the right moment to discuss his inclusion,” Badu said. “We cannot take him to the World Cup. Perhaps this is something we can revisit after the tournament, but for now, it’s a clear no.”
Despite growing calls from fans and pundits to bring O’Neil into the Black Stars fold, Ghanaian football authorities have yet to show any public interest in pursuing his naturalisation ahead of the global tournament.
