Will Eddie Nketiah play for Ghana at the World Cup

Eddie Nketiah celebrating resigning with Arsenal

Will Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah play for Ghana at the Qatar 2022 World Cup


by Megan Armitage

Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah could be set to make his debut for Ghana at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

 

The striker has repeatedly removed himself from the equation with Ghana in the past but may be set to change allegiance for the major tournament.

 

Born to Ghanaian parents in London, Nketiah was England's U21 all-time leading goal scorer but despite his exploits at the younger level, he is yet to receive a call up to Gareth Southgate's side.

 

And with Ghana still knocking on the door, rumours are flying about the 23-year-old's potential involvement with the squad.

 

The England age-group international has reportedly turned down the opportunity to represent Ghana twice in the past, first in 2019 and then 2020, instead stating that the chance to represent his country of birth, England, was too great to miss.

 

But recent conversations between Ghana and Nketiah ahead of the World Cup have sparked excitement, with multiple sources reporting that the only thing currently standing in the way is the go ahead from FIFA.

 

Commenting on the speculation himself, Nketiah said: “There have been discussions, but nothing has been decided."

 

Representing England at under-18 level all the way to under-21, Nketiah has proved himself as a strong contender for the senior side but has continually missed out on selection.

 

The Gunner recently signed a new contract with Arsenal until June 2027 and an international signing with Ghana would see him join forces with teammate Thomas Partney.

 

Otto Addo's Ghana side qualified for the 2022 World Cup after an impressive play-off victory over rivals Nigeria and have been drawn in a challenging Group H alongside Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.

 

The Black Stars are in need of someone to step up and put themself in difficult positions to create opportunities and Nketiah is a prime example of the type of player they need.

 

Nketiah started eight times for Arsenal this season and netted ten goals for the Gunners out of 28 appearances in all competitions, unafraid to get himself in the mix.

 

Addo is set to announce the Europe-born additions to the squad soon and has expected them to be ready for the September international window.

 

And hungry to show his form on the international stage it's looking likely that the Arsenal striker will take the opportunity to perform in Qatar this winter.


Photo credit: Getty Images

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