Players willing to switch nationality to Ghana must be ready for 2023 AFCON qualifiers – Ex-Black Stars midfielder

Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemeng Badu has cautioned the hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association not to rush in convincing players who have the intention of switching nationality to play for Ghana:

According to the U-20 World Cup winner, such players should be ready to involve themselves in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to familiarise themselves with the terrain.

“We should not rush and call players just because of the World Cup and lose them after. Those who wouldn’t have any problem switching nationality must be ready for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers so they get familiar with the terrain. It shouldn’t be that the player plays the World Cup and that’s it, ” he told Max FM.

The GFA is reportedly in talks with seven players to play for the Black Stars at the 2022 World Cup, which kicks off in November. The list of Ghana targets comprise Nketiah, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Salisu Mohammed, Ansgar Knauff, Tariq Lamptey and Inaki Williams and his brother Nico Williams.

On Tuesday, English born Ghanaian striker Eddie Nketiah disclosed that he is open to a Ghana call-up although he is concentrating on club football for now.

Several report indicate that Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi is also likely to switch nationally status as well as Tariq Lamptey who plays for Brighton and Hove in England.

Ghana has been pitted in Group H of the global showpiece alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.