Guinean midfielder Naby Keïta has decided to decline the Syli National's call-up for the first two rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, in order to focus on his fitness after returning from injury. A decision that has sparked much debate in Guinea with some observers.
While the Guinean Federation spoke of a relapse, the club Werder Bremen spoke of a voluntary absence for the national team captain. To set the record straight, Naby Keïta took to social networks, notably Instagram, to post a photo of his coach, Kaba Diawara, surrounded by the players, with the message: "My heart goes out to you guys. I'll be back stronger, healthier InshaAllah. Giving up was never an option .Gbingbinso."
