Ghana coach Otto Addo has shed light on the ongoing absence of left-back Abdul Baba Rahman from the Black Stars.
The PAOK defender, who last played for Ghana in September 2023 during a 2023 AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic, has been missing from the national team for nearly a year.
Despite Ghana’s victory in that match, Rahman faced harsh treatment from fans at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with every touch he made being met with boos and jeers.
The negative reaction from the crowd seems to have left a lasting impact on the player, leading him to step away from international duty.
“Baba Rahman abstains from Black Stars due to bullying,” Otto Addo explained during a press conference after announcing his latest squad for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
Addo revealed that the relentless criticism has affected Rahman deeply, to the point where he has declined multiple invitations to return to the national team.
“Players have families and friends, and it affects a whole lot of things. They’re all human beings, and there should always be a line. I hope that one day Baba will decide to play again [for the Black Stars], but at the moment, he doesn’t want to play,” Addo said.
“We would have needed him very much. I had a long talk with him, and I even wanted to fly there, but he was sure he wouldn’t change his mind.”
Ghana will now prepare to face Angola on September 6 in Kumasi, followed by a clash against Niger four days later, without one of their key defenders.
Fans will be hoping that Rahman eventually returns to the fold, but for now, his absence remains a significant talking point in Ghanaian football.
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