Ghana Steps Up Efforts to Convince Crystal Palace Striker Eddie Nketiah to Switch Allegiance

The Ghana Football Association has reportedly stepped up its efforts to convince Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah to switch his international allegiance from England to Ghana.

According to a report by Standard Sport, Ghana have approached the 27-year-old forward as part of their efforts to strengthen the Black Stars ahead of future international competitions.

Nketiah is said to be considering the approach, although he has yet to make a final decision on whether to commit his international future to Ghana.

The striker was born in Lewisham, south London, to Ghanaian parents, making him eligible to represent the West African country.

He has, however, spent much of his international career with England, representing the country at various youth levels.

Nketiah enjoyed a particularly successful spell with England Under-21, where he became the team’s all-time leading goalscorer.

His performances at youth level helped establish him as one of England’s promising young forwards and eventually earned him a place in the senior squad.

He made his senior England debut in October 2023 when he replaced Ollie Watkins in the 73rd minute of a friendly against Australia at Wembley Stadium.

England went on to win the encounter 1-0.
Despite making his senior debut for England, Nketiah has earned only one senior international cap.

As a result, he remains eligible to change his international allegiance under FIFA’s regulations, provided he satisfies all the relevant conditions.

Ghana are reportedly keen to take advantage of the situation and persuade the Palace forward to make himself available for the Black Stars.

The Ghanaian national team already has several players with strong links to England and the Premier League, including Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo.

Coventry City midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi is also part of the wider group of players being considered as Ghana continue to build their squad.

Nketiah’s current form could further strengthen Ghana’s interest in securing his services. The forward joined Crystal Palace after leaving Arsenal and has started all three of the club’s Premier League matches this season under new manager Pierre Sage.

His consistent involvement at the beginning of the campaign represents a positive development after an injury-hit period last season, when his progress was disrupted by fitness problems.

Nketiah spent several years at Arsenal after progressing through the club’s academy and made a significant number of appearances for the Gunners before moving on.

His experience in the Premier League is regarded as one of the factors that could make him an attractive addition to Ghana’s attacking options.

Standard Sport reported that Ghana’s interest in Nketiah is not new, with the country’s football authorities having maintained a long-standing desire to convince him to represent the Black Stars.

The latest approach is therefore seen as another attempt to persuade the Palace striker to choose Ghana over England at senior international level.

For now, Nketiah has not publicly announced a decision regarding the approach.

His choice could become significant for both countries, particularly as Ghana continue to prepare for upcoming international assignments and England assess their own attacking options.

Until the forward makes a formal commitment, he remains at the centre of an international tug-of-war between the country where he was born and the nation of his parents’ heritage.

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