Former Ghana Assistant coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu has questioned the need for Andre Ayew to return to the Black Stars as his possible inclusion in the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to spark debate.

The Sudan assistant coach believes the time may have come for Ayew to step away and allow the team to move forward with a new generation of players.

“He might be a very, very good player,” he said. “But you ask yourself in this current setup, is he needed?”- he quizzed in an interview with Luv FM.

“Is he needed? For me, No. Dede is my man, but for me you leave when the applause is high,” he added.

“Dede himself should let it go and then focus on his club football,” he said.

His comments come after the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, said he won't be surprised to see Andre Ayew included in Ghana's squad for the FIFA World Cup in June.

The 36-year-old Ayew has started just three game since his move to NAC Breda in January after being a free agent for almost a year.

Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most decorated footballers, having led the Black Stars to four World Cups and has not officially announced retirement from international football.

However, Osei-Fosu believes national team decisions should be based on the team’s current needs rather than reputation.

According to Ignatius, stepping aside at the right time can preserve a player’s legacy.

“That’s why I like these white people,”.

“At a point, Totti was him [Andre] to the national team [of Italy]but he said, ‘No, I want to focus on club football.’