Former Ghana international Augustine Arhinful has called for patience and support for veteran forward André Ayew, urging Ghanaians to allow the player time to regain his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Ayew, who faced a period without a club at the start of the 2025/26 season, joined Dutch side NAC Breda in December and has since made fourteen appearances, scoring one goal as the team battles relegation.
Context: Ayew’s Recent Club Status and Form
The debate surrounding Ayew’s potential inclusion in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup has intensified following his club situation. After being inactive for the first half of the 2025/26 season, Ayew’s move to NAC Breda in December marked his return to competitive football. Since January 2026, he has been actively playing, but his team’s struggle against relegation has coincided with a period where he is still finding his rhythm.
Arhinful, speaking to GhanawebTV, highlighted this transition period. “Dede was not active at the beginning of the season. He only joined a club in December 2025 and started playing in January 2026, so let’s allow him to find his rhythm,” he stated.
Arhinful’s Plea for Support and Leadership
The former Black Stars captain emphasized that Ayew’s current club situation should not be a determinant for his national team prospects. NAC Breda’s fight against relegation adds another layer to the challenge, as Ayew balances club duties with potential national team aspirations.
“His club is still battling relegation, so we should give him time to return to the form we expect from him. We shouldn’t say that just because he has played for the team before, we should give him a final goodbye-no,” Arhinful added. He stressed that dismissing Ayew based on past service would be premature.
Coach Queiroz’s Authority and Ayew’s Potential Role
Ultimately, Arhinful acknowledged that the decision on Ayew’s inclusion rests solely with the Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz. The coach’s tactical vision and assessment of player readiness will be paramount in selecting the final squad.
“We are entering a competition where we need players; every selected player is necessary. If the coach feels he should be part of the squad, why not?” Arhinful questioned, suggesting that Ayew’s experience and leadership could still be valuable assets.
He further elaborated on the potential benefits of including a seasoned player like Ayew. “Perhaps his professionalism and leadership qualities will prove to be vital,” he suggested, hinting at the intangible contributions Ayew might offer beyond on-field performance.
World Cup Squad Announcement and Future Outlook
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to announce his squad for the 2026 World Cup on June 1. Despite the recent debates and Ayew’s club form, the veteran forward is still considered a contender for a place in the team. The coming weeks will reveal whether Queiroz prioritizes Ayew’s experience and leadership or opts for players in more consistent club form.
The situation highlights the perennial challenge national team coaches face: balancing experienced, proven players with those in peak current form, especially in the lead-up to a major tournament like the World Cup. Fans and pundits will be closely watching the squad announcement for Queiroz’s decisions regarding Ayew and other potential selections.
Leave a Reply