It’s that time again when anything BlackStars piques the interest of Ghanaians.

They have been paired alongside Nigeria, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago for the Unity Cup 2025.

Just when everyone was on the lookout for the squad list, Otto Addo released his squad list via the Black Stars Twitter handle at 9:09 am.

READ MORE: Unity Cup 2025: Otto Addo ready to experiment with new squad

A quick peek at the squad shows several big-name absentees, inclusions, and exclusions.

Ghana Premier League Boys says wassup.

In yet another thrilling fashion, the Ghana Premier League boys have once again earned their place in the Black Stars. Accra Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare, who surprisingly wowed the technical handlers in the last World Cup qualifiers has gotten the nod alongside Nations FC’s cult hero Razak Simpson, whose performances in the league haven’t gone unnoticed. It’s rare to have a full-back score as many goals in the league, but Medeama SC’s Kamaradini Mamudu has shown great quality, scoring 8 goals in 24 games in the ongoing league. Kwame “Bayie” Poku is back with the Black Stars after scoring 9 in 16 games for Kotoko. Impressive right? Well, hopefully, he gives Otto Addo that breath of fresh air in attack, a position many have failed to nail down in the absence of retired former captain Asamoah Gyan.

READ MORE: Unity Cup 2025: Otto releases 23-man Black Stars squad

Big Boys Miss Out

The absence of Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, and Kamaldeen Sulemana, as per the GFA, raises a margin of doubt about the veracity of the statement, given that they are reportedly injured. That notwithstanding, other capable ones have been called up in their absence.

Unreal Exclusions

Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer has been in and out of the Black Stars. His abilities can’t be underestimated, judging from the fact that he can play mainly on the right and occasionally as a forward.

He was pivotal for Hamburg, aiding them to secure qualification to the Bundesliga, managing 17 goal contributions in 32 appearances.

Judging from that lad’s exploits in the Bundesliga II, one would have hoped to see him show Otto Addo and his technical staff another attacking option they can count on, but they failed to hand him an opportunity. Hopefully, they see a reason to give him a shot in the upcoming September qualifiers against Chad and Mali.

Another exclusion that beats me is Kwame Poku from Peterborough United. I fail to understand how he was excluded despite posting an impressive 21 goals in 29 games for his side in the just-ended League One.

READ MORE: Abdul Karim Zito not giving up Kotoko title challenge

Five Debutants

Five debutants have been added to the 23-man squad. These include goalkeeper Joseph Tetteh Anang, Aaron Essel, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Aziz Issah, and Mohammed Gaddafi Fuseini.

Otto Addo remarked that he will use the Unity Cup to experiment with the squad he has at his disposal.

I, for one, am happy with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s Mohammed Gaddafi Fuseini’s call-up. He has been a lethal addition to the Belgian-based club, aiding them to their first league title in 90 years.

I want to see him lead the lines for the Black Stars against Nigeria.

READ MORE: Week 32 Review: Nations FC on the verge of title win as GoldStars, Kotoko drop points.

Otto Experiment

This game will be an opportunity for Otto Addo and his technical team to try new things. First, the game against Nigeria should be an avenue for him to select boys who are passionate about the course and willing to die for Mother Ghana. That game will not be just another game. It represents everything that characterizes the history, ancestry, religion, socio-economic values, and tradition amongst other things between the two countries.

Hopefully, Otto gets to cook the best jollof against Nigeria to get to the finals.