Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has indicated his readiness to play for Ghana’s senior national team, ending years of speculation and resistance amid repeated overtures from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The 25-year-old, born in Lewisham to Ghanaian parents, has long been on Ghana’s radar. Despite several attempts by the GFA to recruit him, Nketiah consistently aligned with England, representing them across all youth levels and earning a senior call-up in 2023 for matches against Scotland and Ukraine. However, he never made the match-day squad and has not featured in England’s plans since.
In a candid interview on The Beautiful Game podcast, Nketiah revealed a shift in perspective, acknowledging his Ghanaian heritage and expressing openness to an invitation from the Black Stars.
“When I was younger, representing England was an option after progressing through the youth system,” he said. “But if Ghana invites me, then I’ll be there.”
His comments mark a significant turning point in Ghana’s long-standing pursuit of the striker. Despite a disappointing season so far at Crystal Palace—registering only one goal and one assist in 25 appearances—Nketiah’s potential inclusion in the Black Stars squad could provide a much-needed lift, particularly as the team continues to search for reliable attacking options ahead of key international fixtures.
Whether the GFA will act swiftly on Nketiah’s declaration remains to be seen, but fans will be hopeful that the door he’s opened leads to his long-awaited debut in Ghanaian colours.
