By Seedy Jobe
Gambian international and Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has announced that he will no longer represent the national team until the rehabilitation of the Independence Stadium in Bakau is completed, citing frustration over what he described as the authorities’ lack of concern for players’ welfare.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Foday Fo on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Minteh said he is spearheading a player boycott aimed at pressuring authorities to expedite work on the country’s main football venue.
The Scorpions forward revealed that he has encouraged fellow national team players to refuse call-ups until the stadium is ready, although he acknowledged that many are reluctant to publicly support the action.
“I’m not playing for the Gambian national team anymore until the stadium is ready because I am frustrated,” Minteh said.
He further stated: “I’m behind this strike. I have tried to bring players with me to not play for Gambia anymore until the stadium is ready because the authorities don’t care about us. But many players are scared.”
Minteh said his decision is driven by a desire to improve conditions for Gambian football rather than personal interests. He noted that despite stepping away from international duty, he remains committed to engaging with supporters through charity matches held across the country.
The 21-year-old acknowledged that his stance may attract criticism but insisted that the move is intended to serve the long-term interests of Gambian football.
“Many people will say that I feel big now or that I think I’m too important, but I don’t care,” he said. “I know I am doing this for Gambia, and somebody has to take this step.”
According to Minteh, he discussed the issue extensively with teammates before making his decision. While some advised him against taking such a position because of his importance to the national team, he maintained that the ongoing challenges surrounding the stadium and the conditions facing players can no longer be overlooked.
His comments are likely to intensify public debate over the prolonged closure and delayed completion of the Independence Stadium, which has forced The Gambia’s national teams to play home fixtures outside the country in recent years.
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