Top football administrator Charles Kwadwo Ntim popularly known as 'Mickey Charles' has made a passionate appeal for the inclusion of Andre Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing it as a fitting tribute to one of the nation’s most loyal and decorated football servants. Ayew, 35, has not featured for the Black Stars since the international friendlies against Uganda and Nigeria in March 2024. The veteran forward was left out of Ghana’s unsuccessful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and also played no part in the team’s impressive run to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Despite head coach Otto Addo’s cautious stance on recalling the experienced star , insisting he will do so “when the time is right”, mounting voices, including that of Charles Ntim, are urging the GFA and the technical team to give the national icon one final call-up. In an email to GHANAsoccernet.com, the Techiman City President underscored the significance of honoring Ayew’s contribution to Ghanaian football, calling on the nation to resist the recurring trend of prematurely retiring its heroes. “It will be befitting to send Andre Ayew to the World Cup,” Ntim stated. “Ghana must not make the continuous mistake of retiring players who have served the badge with honour and dignity forcefully. Andre is only 35 and still wields the energy and leadership to guide this team. He doesn’t necessarily have to start games but can play a crucial role when his leadership is needed both on and off the pitch.” “I strongly recommend to Coach Otto Addo to include our legend in his squad, who is still active, to at least thank him for his immense service to our dear nation.” he added. Ayew, son of Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pele, is the most capped Ghanaian player, with 120 international appearances and 24 goals to his name. Having captained the Black Stars since May 2019, when he succeeded Asamoah Gyan, Ayew’s influence and leadership within the team have long been recognized. A veteran of three FIFA World Cup tournaments (2010, 2014, and 2022), Andre Ayew stands on the brink of etching his name even deeper into African football history. Should he earn a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 edition, he would join the illustrious ranks of Cameroon legends Rigobert Song, Samuel Eto’o and Jacques Songo’o as one of the few African players to feature in four World Cup tournaments, a remarkable testament to his longevity, consistency and enduring contribution to the beautiful game.
Beyond the statistics, many within the football fraternity share Ntim’s sentiment — that Ayew’s presence could offer invaluable leadership, mentorship, and experience to a youthful Ghanaian side preparing to take on the world’s elite.
As the Black Stars gear up for their fifth appearance at the global showpiece, the debate over whether Andre Ayew should be granted a final World Cup bow continues to gather momentum — one that speaks not only to his enduring legacy but also to the broader conversation about honouring Ghana’s football icons.
Top football administrator Charles Kwadwo Ntim popularly known as 'Mickey Charles' has made a passionate appeal for the inclusion of Andre Ayew in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing it as a fitting tribute to one of the nation’s most loyal and decorated football servants.
Ayew, 35, has not featured for the Black Stars since the international friendlies against Uganda and Nigeria in March 2024. The veteran forward was left out of Ghana’s unsuccessful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and also played no part in the team’s impressive run to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Despite head coach Otto Addo’s cautious stance on recalling the experienced star , insisting he will do so “when the time is right”, mounting voices, including that of Charles Ntim, are urging the GFA and the technical team to give the national icon one final call-up.
In an email to GHANAsoccernet.com, the Techiman City President underscored the significance of honoring Ayew’s contribution to Ghanaian football, calling on the nation to resist the recurring trend of prematurely retiring its heroes.
“It will be befitting to send Andre Ayew to the World Cup,” Ntim stated. “Ghana must not make the continuous mistake of retiring players who have served the badge with honour and dignity forcefully. Andre is only 35 and still wields the energy and leadership to guide this team. He doesn’t necessarily have to start games but can play a crucial role when his leadership is needed both on and off the pitch.”
“I strongly recommend to Coach Otto Addo to include our legend in his squad, who is still active, to at least thank him for his immense service to our dear nation.” he added.
Ayew, son of Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pele, is the most capped Ghanaian player, with 120 international appearances and 24 goals to his name. Having captained the Black Stars since May 2019, when he succeeded Asamoah Gyan, Ayew’s influence and leadership within the team have long been recognized.
A veteran of three FIFA World Cup tournaments (2010, 2014, and 2022), Andre Ayew stands on the brink of etching his name even deeper into African football history. Should he earn a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 edition, he would join the illustrious ranks of Cameroon legends Rigobert Song, Samuel Eto’o and Jacques Songo’o as one of the few African players to feature in four World Cup tournaments, a remarkable testament to his longevity, consistency and enduring contribution to the beautiful game.
Beyond the statistics, many within the football fraternity share Ntim’s sentiment — that Ayew’s presence could offer invaluable leadership, mentorship, and experience to a youthful Ghanaian side preparing to take on the world’s elite.
As the Black Stars gear up for their fifth appearance at the global showpiece, the debate over whether Andre Ayew should be granted a final World Cup bow continues to gather momentum — one that speaks not only to his enduring legacy but also to the broader conversation about honouring Ghana’s football icons.
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