Otto Addo confirms trying to lure Eddie Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi to play for Ghana

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 17: Callum Hudson-Odoi of England (centre) celebrates his goal with Eddie Nketiah during the UEFA Euro Under 21 Qualifier match between England U21 and Albania U21 at Molineux on November 17, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus)

Ghana coach, Otto Addo, has shared that efforts are ongoing to persuade Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi to join the Black Stars.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has long been interested in recruiting foreign-born players of Ghanaian descent for the national team.

Despite frequent reports linking Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi to the Black Stars, neither player has been included in Addo’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Addressing the possibility of the players switching allegiance, Addo stated, “What goes for the others also goes for them; the door is still open.

“The first time I came here as head coach, I was after them [Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi] but they kept saying they needed time and they are still not here but the door is still open.

Addo emphasized the importance of early commitment, saying, “To be honest, I think players who want to join the national team should come early; come early to familiarise with me, with the team, with the players and with Ghana as such.”

Both Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi have played for England’s youth teams and have made appearances for the senior national team.

Meanwhile, Otto Addo has named a 23-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Angola and Niger.

Ghana will face the Palancas Negras in their Group F opener at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by an away game against Niger in Berkane on September 10.

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