2022 World Cup: Ghana chasing SEVEN dual nationals to play for Black Stars

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on December 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Visionhaus)

The Ghana FA is in talks with seven players who have dual citizenship to switch nationality and play for the Black Stars at the 2022 World Cup, GHANAsoccernet.com has gathered.

Ghana have qualified for the Qatar World Cup and will face Portugal, Uruguay and Korea Republic in Group H at the tournament.

The Ghana FA is working around the clock to convince some of these key players before the mundial in November.

Callum Hudson Odoi- Chelsea

According to reports in the media, Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi who is a priority on the list has acquired his passport ahead of his nationality switch to play for the Black Stars.

Born in London, England, Hudson-Odoi is a winger with dual English and Ghanaian citizenship because his father was from Ghana.

He has already played three matches for the England A team, but according to FIFA rules, players under the age of 21 can change their national team even if they have played up to 3 A matches.

Eddie Nketiah- Arsenal

Talks are ongoing to also have the Arsenal striker for the World Cup. Nketia has represented England at the youth levels but yet to play for the senior team.

Tariq Lamptey- Brighton

Tariq Lamptey is also among the list of players been chased by the Ghana FA for the 2022 World Cup.

The 22-year-old has been approached by the Ghana FA and former coach Otto Addo ahead of a possible nationality switch. Lamptey has represented England at the youth level and is eligible to play for the Black Stars.

Mohammed Salisu- Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Mohammed Salisu of Southampton fouls Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City for a penalty during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on March 20, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Ghana FA has not given up on the center-back despite rejecting call-ups to the national team. Black Stars interim coach Otto Addo disclosed in an interview Mohammed Salisu will come to the national team when he is ready.

The Inaki Brothers - Atletico Bilbao

BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Inaki Williams of Athletic Club celebrates after scoring goal during the La Liga match between Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at San Mames Stadium on April 14, 2019 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Reports indicates that the Ghana FA are also pursuing the Inaki brothers of Atletico Bilbao to strengthen the team's attack ahead of the World Cup. Inaki recently retweeted a post of the Black Stars World Cup draw sparking rumors on social media of a nationality switch.

Ansgar Knauf- Frankfurt

Ansgar Knauf (20), who is playing on loan to Frankfurt from Borussia Dortmund in Germany, are also being persuaded by the Ghana Football Association. passed on to the players.

George Boateng, one of the assistant coaches for the Black Stars team during the 2022 World Cup playoff has urged the Ghana FA to pursue Ghanaian players in Europe with dual nationality ahead of the World Cup.

"Everyone knows that there are a lot of great players in Europe who deserve to play for Ghana. It is the Ghana Football Association's job to make an effort," he said.

By Herbert Boakye Yiadom

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