Former Ghanaian international and top African scorer in the World Cup, Asamoah Gyan wanted to send a message to the dual nationals who have recently chosen to represent the Black Stars. The former Rennes striker called on the newcomers not to be opportunistic.
He is no longer in the national team, but Asamoah Gyan does not lose the opportunity to follow the Black Stars and give his opinion. And inevitably, the record holder of 109 caps has followed with attention the recent naturalizations of no less than six dual nationals who will join the national team of Ghana and will most likely be part of the World Cup 2022. Five of them were born abroad but are of Ghanaian origin. Inaki Williams, Patric Pfeiffer, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, Stephan Ambrosius, Tariq Lamptey and Mohammed Salisu made the choice last June to answer the call of the coach, Otto Addo. They could thus know their first selections on September 23 and 27, during friendly matches against Brazil and Nicaragua.
The timing of these arrivals is necessarily questionable, only a few months before the Qatari World Cup, which will take place in November. And while some voices have been raised to denounce the opportunistic behavior of the newcomers, the Black Stars legend has instead made a point of giving them some valuable advice, which sounds slightly like a warning. "We are here to support them, but my question is, 'Are they going to come and play because of the World Cup and then decline the following selections," Asamoah Gyan began, before continuing, "Once you are naturalized for Ghana, you have to fully commit to the national team."
The Kevin-Prince Boateng precedent
These words were spoken to Footballghana on the sidelines of the launch of the KGL U17 Champions League in Ghana, and were warmly welcomed by Black Stars fans, some of whom still haven't digested the Kevin-Prince Boateng episode. The midfielder arrived for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but then appeared only a few times for the national team, playing in the African Cup of Nations before a long absence, before signing for the national team for the next World Cup. He will finally be excluded from the group before the end of the group phase, along with Sulley Muntari, signing the end of his adventure in selection. "Sometimes you have to forget everything. Kevin-Prince Boateng when he came, it was a lot but he knew how to deliver," said Asamoah Gyan, as if to definitively turn the page.
These newcomers to the national team will inevitably be scrutinized by the fans and their investment analyzed. If on paper they represent a significant reinforcement, they will have to prove it on the field from this international break, before trying to take Ghana as far as possible in the World Cup 2022. Then, in March, the AFCON 2023 qualifiers will start again, and no doubt their presence on the post-World Cup lists will be expected.
