Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has finally spoken about the ongoing debate surrounding his interest in representing Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, addressing questions that have sparked conversations among football fans both in Ghana and abroad.
The former Arsenal striker, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents, expressed his admiration and deep affection for Ghana, describing the country as one of Africa’s most gifted nations in terms of talent and creativity. Nketiah made the remarks while receiving an honour at the prestigious Best of Africa Awards held in London, where he was recognised for his growing impact on community development and youth empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, Nketiah praised Ghana’s richness in culture, talent, and innovation, describing Ghanaians as among the most creative and hardworking people on the continent.
“Ghana has a lot of amazing people, and we have some talented artists, talented football players, and talented people in general. I just think they are a bit better than a lot of African countries,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
The striker’s comments were warmly received by Ghanaians online, many of whom viewed the statement as an indirect hint of his readiness to represent the Black Stars. Nketiah, 26, has long been a subject of speculation regarding a possible nationality switch, having previously featured for England’s national team but still eligible to play for Ghana under FIFA’s revised nationality rules.
His recent remarks came at a time when public discussion around his international future had intensified, especially after Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Sports journalist Saddick Adams of Angel FM recently reported that Nketiah’s family had confirmed the player’s openness to representing Ghana after years of hesitation. According to Adams, conversations with the family revealed that the player had already held talks with officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the national team’s technical team.
“I 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 he couldn’t make a decision,” Adams wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“However, Nketiah is now settled and, at 26, matured enough and ready to give his very best if Ghana calls now. He says he has Ghana blood running through him, so his identity is unquestionable. Basically, he’s open to playing for Ghana now.”
The journalist’s revelation reignited public optimism among Ghanaian football fans, many of whom believe Nketiah’s quality and experience in the English Premier League could bolster Ghana’s attack as the nation prepares for the global tournament.
However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has maintained a cautious stance toward players who previously turned down opportunities to play for the national team. GFA President Kurt Okraku recently stated that the federation would prioritise players who have consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the Ghanaian cause.
“Players who have not shown enough commitment to the Ghanaian flag will not be part of us,” Okraku told 3Sports. “We want players who are ready to die for the flag, not those who come in only when it suits them.”
The statement was widely interpreted as a message directed at foreign-born players who may have overlooked previous calls to join the national team, only to reconsider after Ghana’s recent qualification success. Still, others believe that talented players like Nketiah could be given a second chance if they demonstrate genuine dedication and readiness to contribute to the team’s ambitions.
Nketiah’s potential addition to the Black Stars would provide valuable depth and experience to Ghana’s attacking lineup, particularly with his proven goal-scoring ability at the club level. During his time at Arsenal, he was regarded as one of England’s most promising young forwards, breaking the record for most goals scored by an England Under-21 player—a record that once belonged to Alan Shearer.
Since joining Crystal Palace, Nketiah has continued to develop his game, showing maturity and consistency on the field. On Wednesday evening, he featured in Palace’s impressive EFL Cup victory over Liverpool, where his pace and pressing helped the team eliminate the Merseyside club from the competition. His strong form this season has earned him praise from both fans and pundits, with many suggesting that his inclusion in the Ghana squad could add much-needed firepower ahead of the World Cup.
For now, Nketiah remains non-committal about his final decision, insisting that he is focused on performing well for his club. But his recent public admiration for Ghana has undoubtedly reignited discussions about what could be one of the most anticipated nationality switches in African football.
Ghana has seen a recent trend of foreign-born players committing to the national team, with several dual nationals joining the Black Stars in recent years. The team’s technical handlers have also been working to strengthen relationships with players in the diaspora, seeing them as key to Ghana’s long-term football development and international competitiveness.
Football analysts believe that if managed strategically, Nketiah’s inclusion could inspire other Ghanaian-descended players abroad to consider representing their ancestral nation.
Sports analyst Ibrahim Sannie Daara noted that the GFA’s approach should strike a balance between maintaining integrity and leveraging global Ghanaian talent.
“There has to be dialogue and understanding,” Daara said. “It’s not always about punishing players who delayed a decision. If someone like Nketiah is ready and willing to contribute now, the focus should be on how he can help the team, not on past decisions.”
As Ghana looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, conversations about inclusion, identity, and loyalty continue to shape the national discourse around the Black Stars.
Eddie Nketiah’s heartfelt words at the Best of Africa Awards have rekindled a sense of connection between him and his Ghanaian roots. Whether or not he ultimately dons the famous black, red, gold, and green jersey, his tribute to Ghana reflects the pride of a generation of young footballers with deep African heritage making their mark on the global stage.
In his own words:
“Ghana is home, and it will always be a part of me,” Nketiah said.
