Ghana has secured a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is expected to parade a formidable final squad for the global piece and atleast replicate 2010 performance, hence the call for quality but players poised for the course.
With Odoi and Nketiah having Ghanaian descent, are hoping to relaunch their national team career having failed to receive callups to the Three Lions in recent times. Both players have earned invite to England twice and can switch allegiance.
The duo has secured their citizenship passport as Ghanaians and eligible to play for the Black Stars.
George Afriyie has argued that, the national team is for every Ghanaian and if the duo merit a place in the Black Stars they should be invited by the head coach.
“At any point in time, if the player feels that this is the time to play for Ghana, why not? If the coach thinks that Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi, both born in England to Ghanaian parents but previously represented England, merit a place in the Black Stars and they can help win matches, why not?
“Who decides who a Black Stars player is or who should be called?” he quizzed.
“The Black Stars belong to every Ghanaian everywhere so long as he is a Ghanaian and a footballer in top shape, playing in the top league and qualifies to play for the Black Stars. I don’t see why he cannot be invited,” George Afriyie told Graphic Sports.
Ghana will be making their fourth appearance at the Mundial, after missing out in the last two edition – Russia 2018.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L, where they will face Panama in their opening fixture on June 17. A heavyweight encounter with England follows on June 23, before Ghana conclude their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.
Meanwhile, they have three pre-world cup friendlies coming up against Austria, Mexico and Germany which they will be assessing the large scoop of Ghanaian players.
