Ayew, 35, was left out of Ghana's squad for the Matchday 5 and 6 matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, despite his stellar achievements in the French Ligue 1 with Le Havre.
In an interview with Joy Sports, Addo responded that other players were now ahead of Ayew in his selection process when asked why he chose not to include the seasoned attacker.
We'll call Andre Ayew if we need him. I see other people ahead of him right now,” Addo said.
Tackie, however, took offense at the coach's remarks and posted on social media to express his displeasure, claiming that Addo had demonstrated a lack of respect for Ayew. He challenged the coach's position, pointing out that Addo had previously made active club participation a crucial selection criterion on multiple occasions. "Coach Otto Addo's comments on Andre Ayew are shocking and disappointing. The same coach has said on numerous occasions that active club participation is a key criterion for selection into the national team. How can Ayew, Ghana's most-capped player, a three-time World Cup veteran, and a proven leader, be deemed unworthy even when playing well at his club in the French league?" he asked.
He also chastised Addo's choice, pointing out that the coach had not been able to guarantee Ghana's spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"There is no denying Ayew's legacy and dedication to the Black Stars. His track record in important competitions, leadership skills, and expertise speak for itself. It is perplexing that a coach who did not get Ghana into this year's Africa Cup of Nations would so nonchalantly brush off the efforts of a player who is playing for his club every week and has regularly performed for his country," he added.
Tackie claimed that Ayew should have received greater credit for his services to the Black Stars and called Addo's remarks "unprofessional and unbecoming" of a national team coach.
"There is no denying Ayew's legacy and dedication to the Black Stars. His track record in important competitions, leadership skills, and expertise speak for itself. It is perplexing that a coach who did not get Ghana into this year's Africa Cup of Nations would so nonchalantly brush off the efforts of a player who is playing for his club every week and has regularly performed for his country," he added.
Tackie claimed that Ayew should have received greater credit for his services to the Black Stars and called Addo's remarks "unprofessional and unbecoming" of a national team coach.
In addition to being insulting to Ayew, such comments also diminish his sacrifices and the honor he has bestowed upon Ghanaian football. The remarks made by Coach Addo are disrespectful to his position and inappropriate.
The last time Andre Ayew played for Ghana was in a 2-2 tie with Uganda during the March 2024 international break. The Le Havre attacker has scored 24 goals and has 120 caps for the national team since making his debut in 2007.
The last time Andre Ayew played for Ghana was in a 2-2 tie with Uganda during the March 2024 international break. The Le Havre attacker has scored 24 goals and has 120 caps for the national team since making his debut in 2007.