CRYSTAL PALACE striker Eddie Nketiah could switch his nationality to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 26-year-old has one cap for England after coming on as a late substitute in a friendly against Australia in October 2023.
Eddie Nketiah, 26, qualifies to represent Ghana through his parentsAlamy
GettyNketiah came on as a sub against Australia for his only England cap[/caption]
But the former Arsenal star has not been in an England squad since.
And he could now make a switch to represent Ghana just two months before this season’s Afcon competition.
Nketiah was born in Lewisham in London but qualifies to play for the Black Stars through his parents.
And Fifa rules mean he can switch because he has not played in a competitive match for England, or won more than three caps for them.
It is understood Nketiah has previously turned down a call-up from Ghana.
But African football journalist Saddick Adams says he is now ready to reconsider.
Adams wrote: “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’.
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“Basically, he’s open to playing for Ghana now.”
Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi can also qualify to play for Ghana after making only three caps for the Three Lions.
PACallum Hudson-Odoi, 24, has made three caps for England but may consider a move to Ghana[/caption]
And Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, wants to convince both he and Nketiah to sign up for Afcon and next year’s World Cup.
In an appearance on Ghanaian radio station Asempa FM, Kofi said: “Every Ghanaian who knows how to play has the opportunity to go to the World Cup if the coach decides that he wants.
“It doesn’t matter if the player was part of the team during the qualifiers or not. It doesn’t matter if the player has played before or not.
“Maybe they were looking elsewhere, but we will not discriminate on the day the player played during the qualifiers or not.
“I have watched some players, and I believe that they are good enough.
“Despite their talent, the final selection of players like Eddie Nketiah and Hudson-Odoi remains with the technical team and the coach.”
Nketiah joined Palace from Arsenal in a £30million deal last year but has struggled for goals for the Eagles, despite winning the FA Cup last season.
He scored a 97th-minute winner against Premier League holders Liverpool in his first game of the current campaign.
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