No influence in my player call up to Black Stars – CK Akonnor dismisses rumors

CK Akonnor the head coach of Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars has said there are no external influences in his squad selections.

Akonnor came under intense criticisms last two months after naming his squad for the final round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against South Africa and Sao Tome.

There were strong suggestions that Akonnor is being strong-armed by some executives members of the Ghana Football Association in the selection of Black Stars squads.

However, Akonnor, during a press conference where he named a 30-man squad for Ghana’s friendlies against Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, insisted that he has the final say in his callups.

“I’m my own man. I’m the coach and I’m in charge of the call ups,” he said.

“Football is not up to one man. I have both my assistant and my video analyst who make sure we have players who can fit into what we want to do.

“Football is not done in isolation. Even journalists can make suggestions about players, but it is my choice to pick or not,” he said.

Ghana will face Morocco in Rabat on June 8 and then Côte d’Ivoire four days later in Cape Coast.