Former Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has called on foreign-based Ghanaian players who want to go to the 2022 World Cup to show commitment by playing in the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ghana is returning to the global showpiece after overcoming Nigeria in the play-off to book a ticket for Qatar this November.
Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi, Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu, Athletic Bilbao brothers Nico Williams and Inaki Williams have been targeted for the Mundial.
In an interview with Sylvester Ntim of Koforidua-based Bryt FM, Tanko, who is currently the technical director of Accra Lions has asked foreign-based Ghanaian players to show commitment and play in the AFCON qualifiers which start in June before the World Cup.
“Once they are all Ghanaians, they are entitled to play for the national team but it will depend on the coach. If the technical team thinks those players can help, why not?
“Fortunately for us, we have three or four AFCON qualifiers to play before the World Cup, however, players who are ready to switch nationality have to join the team to express their readiness for the World Cup”
“To me, any player who wants to go to the World Cup must play in the AFCON qualifiers, they need to show their readiness to the team. I believe the technology will talk to those players”
“Any foreign player who wants to switch nationality must show commitment by playing in the upcoming qualifiers. If you are not ready for the qualifiers it means you are not ready for the World Cup too”
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group H of the World Cup along with European giants Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
Ghana is making their 4th appearance at the World Cup after participating in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions will open this year’s edition against Portugal on November 24.
They will face South Korea in the second group game on November 28 before taking on Uruguay in the last round four days later.
Source: Mybrytnews.com/Sylvester Ntim
