Ghana's WC preparations: stealing Nketiah and Odoi from England

With just over two months remaining before AFCON kicks off, Ghana could soon welcome a fresh addition to their squad — and it’s a name that might surprise many.

The Black Stars, four-time champions of Africa, have been chasing their first continental triumph since 1982. In their renewed pursuit of glory, they may turn to an England international to strengthen their attack.

That player is Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah, who is eligible to represent Ghana through his parents.

Now 26, Nketiah has just a single England appearance to his name — a brief substitute cameo in a 1-0 friendly win over Australia in October 2023. Yet, according to African football journalist Saddick Adams, a switch could be on the horizon.

Adams wrote on X that he had spoken directly with a member of Nketiah’s family: "Spoke to Eddie Nketiah's family this weekend to get clarity on the stories about his switch. The source admitted that Eddie Nketiah had previously spoken to the Ghana coach and some GFA top officials but he had not settled at his club yet so couldn't make a decision."

Under FIFA regulations, Nketiah remains eligible for Ghana since he has not played a competitive fixture or earned more than three caps for England.

And Nketiah might not be the only potential reinforcement. Ghanaian officials are also keeping an eye on Callum Hudson-Odoi.

The Nottingham Forest winger represented England three times back in 2019, all before turning 20. Like Nketiah, he qualifies for Ghana through his parents and is still able to make the switch.

Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, recently hinted at the national team’s openness to welcoming both players — with the 2026 World Cup also in mind. "Every Ghanaian who knows how to play has the opportunity to go to the World Cup if the coach decides that he wants," Adams said in an interview with Ghanaian radio station Asempa FM.