Omanghana
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has successfully convinced left-back Baba Abdul Rahman to return to the Black Stars setup after a prolonged absence, following what insiders describe as a direct and highly personal intervention from the Portuguese tactician.
According to Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, previous attempts by former coaches Chris Hughton and Otto Addo to reintegrate the defender into the national team setup were unsuccessful, despite repeated efforts to persuade him to return.
However, Queiroz is said to have broken the deadlock through a straightforward, coach-to-player approach that removed formal barriers and focused purely on footballing dialogue.
Sources close to the team indicate that Queiroz personally contacted Baba Rahman via telephone, choosing not to rely on intermediaries, federation officials, or standardized communication channels. The one-on-one conversation reportedly played a key role in rebuilding trust between the player and the national team setup.
The approach is said to have impressed Rahman, demonstrating the coach’s confidence in his abilities and his importance to the team’s long-term plans.
Queiroz reportedly made it clear that Rahman’s recall was based strictly on technical and tactical considerations, particularly his strong form with Greek club PAOK FC. By framing the discussion purely around performance, the coach is believed to have offered the defender a fresh, pressure-free opportunity to return to international football.
Rahman has been absent from international duty since September 2023 after experiencing significant backlash from sections of the Ghanaian fanbase, including criticism on social media and hostile reactions following previous performances. The situation led to what was described as a self-imposed exile from the national team.
Former coach Chris Hughton had earlier named him in a 55-man provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but the player opted out, citing personal reasons linked to the emotional toll of fan criticism.
Under Otto Addo, efforts were also made to bring the left-back back into the fold during key qualification matches, but Rahman declined at the time, choosing instead to focus on his club career in Greece and maintain his mental well-being.
Rahman has now officially reported to the Black Stars training camp in Cardiff, marking a major step toward his full international return. He is widely expected to be in contention for selection in Queiroz’s final 26-man squad ahead of the upcoming friendly against Wales on June 2.
If selected, his return would provide Ghana with an experienced defensive option as the team prepares for high-stakes World Cup fixtures against top opposition in Group L.
Source: Omanghana
