Ghanaian coach Christopher Nimley has weighed in on the ongoing debate over whether former Ghana national football team captain André Ayew, popularly known as Dede Ayew, should be included in the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an interview on Citi FM shared on TikTok on March 10, 2026, Nimley stated that Ayew does not deserve a place in the Black Stars squad.

He explained that the former captain has already paid his dues to the national team and to Ghana, and therefore should not be included in a way that could limit opportunities for younger players who have the potential to shine and contribute significantly to the country.

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“He does not even deserve a slot on that list. In 2008, when he played for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations, I was one of those who said this boy was going to be the future of the Black Stars.

“So we used the AFCON to bring him into the fold of the team. I was one of those who clamoured for his inclusion under Claude Le Roy. As we speak, he should not be allowed to block the opportunity of a young player. We should never allow that to happen. He is already a legend,” he said.

Nimley further stressed that Ayew should not be handed any role in the squad simply as a gesture of appreciation for his contributions.

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He also alleged that Ayew’s inclusion during the AFCON created one of the most uncomfortable atmospheres within the team and the technical staff.

“No position in that team should be given to anybody because we want to thank him. He has been to multiple World Cups… This was the player who created the biggest and most uncomfortable situation for the entire technical team,” he added.

Watch the video below:

@citisportsghana 🎥🇬🇭“He doesn’t deserve a slot in the World Cup list. As we speak, he cannot block the chance of a young player.”—Coach Christopher Nimley warns Andre Dede Ayew ahead of the 2026 World Cup. #CitiSports #SportsPanorama #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #ghanafootball #blackstars ♬ original sound - Citi Sports Ghana ⚽️