Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey has openly questioned the selection decisions of the Black Stars technical team, expressing frustration over his continued absence from the national team despite his performances in European football.
The Ludogorets Razgrad attacker believes his contributions at club level, including appearances in European competitions, should have earned him more opportunities to represent Ghana.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based sports journalist Perry Paisley, the 29-year-old expressed disappointment over what he considers inconsistent selection standards, particularly the preference for players from less prominent European leagues.
Tekpetey questioned why he was given an opportunity to represent Ghana at a young age but was subsequently overlooked despite developing his career and producing impressive performances at club level.
“If it’s not my time to be called up, why did they call me when I was 18? I came to prove to Ghanaians that I could do it. So why wasn’t I called up again after that?” he questioned.
The forward also expressed frustration at seeing players competing in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, contributing goals and assists, yet missing out on international invitations.
“When you’re playing in Europe, competing in the Champions League or Europa League, scoring goals and providing assists, but the national team comes around and you’re overlooked for players from Slovakia, Cyprus or the Czech Republic who have zero goals and assists, how would you feel? You would feel very bad,” he added.
Tekpetey’s frustration is rooted partly in his outstanding 2018/19 campaign with German side SC Paderborn. He scored 10 goals and registered eight assists in the league, helping the club secure promotion to the Bundesliga. Despite that impressive season, he did not receive another Black Stars invitation.
The former Schalke 04 and Fortuna Düsseldorf attacker has earned just two senior international caps for Ghana. His debut came against Egypt at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon on January 25, 2017.
Since joining Bulgarian champions Ludogorets, Tekpetey has continued to build his reputation in European football, featuring in UEFA Champions League and Europa League campaigns. His European experience has strengthened his belief that he deserves another opportunity with the Black Stars.
Despite his disappointment, the Ludogorets forward insisted that he does not want to make his career dependent on national team invitations. He explained that his priority is to continue performing for his club, developing professionally and providing for his family.
His comments have reignited conversations about player selection, merit and competition for places in the Ghana national team, particularly as Ghana continues to assess its options ahead of future international assignments.
For Tekpetey, however, the desire to represent his country remains alive, even as he waits for another opportunity to wear the Black Stars jersey.
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