Ghana FA closes door on Nketiah ahead of World Cup

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have ended their pursuit of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of the 2022 World Cup. This is according to Ghana football publication GHANAsoccernet.com.

Nketiah remains hesitant to commit his international future to Ghana. This is despite the West African football association’s efforts to pursue him.

The 23-year-old stated his willingness to play for Ghana in August of this year. He was prompting the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to step up their pursuit of him for the Black Stars.

But the publication is reporting that the Arsenal forward is yet to budge. The FA has tried to convince England Under 21 international to switch nationality and play at the World Cup in Qatar.

NKETIAH NOT BUDGING

The Ghana FA wanted Nketiah to be part of the Black Stars squad for the upcoming World Cup. But with less than a month to go, Nketiah has yet to give his approval.

He is current England Under 21’s all-time leading scorer.

The Ghana FA, led by President Kurt Okraku, are collaborating with the technical team of the Black Stars to ensure that the Black Stars have a strong squad in Qatar for the tournament, which begins on November 20.

BLACK STARS STRENGTHENED

So far, they have secured the commitments of Mohammed Salisu, Inaki Williams, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, Stephan Ambrosius, and Tariq Lamptey.

The inclusion of these five players has given Ghanaians hope for the tournament. But the GFA believes Nketiah can contribute to Ghana’s attack, while the striker appears uninterested in Ghana at the moment.

Nketiah is having a difficult season at Arsenal after signing a long-term contract. Manager Mikel Arteta prefers the front three of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli.

He has only played 356 minutes and has two goals and one assist.