Nurudeen Amadu, the coach of Samartex, believes that Emmanuel Keyekeh deserved a place in the Black Stars squad for the recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Despite the inclusion of three home-based players, Richmond Lamptey, Jonathan Sowah, and Abdul Hamidu Fatawu, Amadu contends that Keyekeh’s consistent performance in the Ghana Premier League justified his selection.
In an interview with Akoma FM, Amadu expressed his disappointment over Keyekeh’s exclusion, citing the midfielder’s potential impact on the national team.
“Emmanuel Keyekeh should have been called up to the Black Stars, in my opinion. He could have added significant value to the team, given his performance in the Ghana Premier League,” Amadu remarked.
He emphasized the importance of considering local talents like Keyekeh, particularly when established professionals underperform.
“This sentiment is shared not only by me but also by other coaches who recognize his exceptional abilities on the field. If seasoned professionals fail to deliver, it’s time to give deserving local players the chance to showcase their skills,” Amadu asserted.
While acknowledging Richmond Lamptey’s inclusion, Amadu suggested that Keyekeh’s form and statistics in the local league warranted closer attention from national team selectors.
“Richmond Lamptey could have performed better, considering his performance in the local league, but unfortunately, that opportunity was missed. In football, it’s crucial to provide players with opportunities to prove themselves,” Amadu concluded, advocating for a more inclusive approach to squad selection.
