Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has finally broken his silence on one of the biggest stories surrounding his international future — his potential decision to play for Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars. The 26-year-old striker, who was born in London to Ghanaian parents, admitted his affection for the West African nation and hinted that he may be open to representing them on the global stage.
Speaking at the Best of Africa Awards held in London, Nketiah’s comments about Ghana’s talent and culture have reignited conversations about his possible nationality switch, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching. While he has represented England at the senior level, his future at the international stage seems more uncertain than ever.
Nketiah’s Heartfelt Words About Ghana
During his acceptance speech at the awards ceremony, where he was honored for his growing contribution to community development, Nketiah took a moment to express his admiration for his Ghanaian roots.
“Ghana has a lot of amazing people, and we have some talented artists, talented football players, and talented people in general,” he said proudly. “I just think they are a bit better than a lot of African countries.”
His statement, though lighthearted, reflected genuine pride in his heritage. It also served as the most open acknowledgment yet of his deep connection to Ghana — a nation that has long courted him to join the Black Stars.
The striker’s comments were warmly received by many Ghanaians online, who interpreted them as a sign that he may finally be ready to wear the red, gold, and green jersey.
Ongoing Talks About His International Future
Eddie Nketiah’s situation is complex. Having played one senior game for England, he is still eligible to switch allegiance under FIFA’s nationality rules, as long as certain conditions are met. Reports in recent months have suggested that Ghana’s football authorities have made fresh attempts to convince him to commit to the Black Stars project ahead of the next World Cup.
According to journalist Saddick Adams of Angel FM, conversations between Nketiah’s camp and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) date back several years. However, Nketiah had not made a final decision at the time because he wanted to establish himself fully at club level.
“Spoke to Eddie Nketiah’s family this weekend to get clarity on the stories about his switch,” Saddick Adams wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“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.”
The journalist added that things have changed now. Nketiah’s family reportedly confirmed that he feels more stable and mature — both professionally and personally — and is ready to “give his very best” if Ghana calls.
“He says he has Ghana blood running through him, so his identity is unquestionable,” the report added. “Basically, he’s open to playing for Ghana now.”
A Player at the Crossroads
At 26, Nketiah is at a decisive moment in his career. Having moved from Arsenal to Crystal Palace, he now plays regularly and has started to rediscover his confidence in front of goal. For years, he was one of England’s most promising young forwards, breaking goal-scoring records for the England Under-21 side.
Yet, with England’s senior team boasting a wealth of attacking options — including Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney — Nketiah’s path to consistent international football remains uncertain. A switch to Ghana could offer him the opportunity to play a leading role for a team with ambitions of returning to the global stage stronger than ever.
The Black Stars are currently in a rebuilding phase, blending young prospects like Ernest Nuamah, Mohammed Kudus, and Inaki Williams with experienced names. Nketiah’s addition could bring valuable Premier League experience and depth to the attack.
Ghana FA’s Firm Stance on Commitment
Despite the optimism surrounding Nketiah’s possible switch, not everyone within the Ghana Football Association (GFA) seems convinced. The federation has previously expressed frustration toward players of Ghanaian descent who only consider switching allegiance when opportunities with their European nations dry up.
GFA president Kurt Okraku made the association’s position clear during an interview on 3 Sports earlier this year:
“Players who have not shown enough commitment to the Ghanaian flag will not be part of us,” Okraku stated.
His comments were widely interpreted as a message to dual-national players, including Nketiah, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and others who have hesitated in the past. Ghanaian fans remain divided — some believe the Black Stars should welcome every talented player willing to serve, while others insist that national pride should come before late decisions.
Nketiah’s Recent Performances and Form
On the pitch, Eddie Nketiah has been regaining momentum. Since joining Crystal Palace, he has been instrumental in their attacking play. Most recently, he featured in the EFL Cup, where Palace stunned Liverpool with a 3-0 victory at Anfield — a result that sent shockwaves across English football.
While he didn’t score in that game, Nketiah’s energy and intelligent movement helped Palace exploit Liverpool’s high defensive line. His performances have earned praise from manager Oliver Glasner, who has trusted him to lead the attack alongside Wilfried Zaha’s successor, Michael Olise.
The striker’s growing maturity, leadership, and consistent playing time could make him a valuable asset for any national team — and Ghana, in particular, could benefit from his experience in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Nketiah?
If Nketiah chooses to represent Ghana, the process would involve FIFA’s official nationality switch procedure. Once approved, he could potentially make his debut in early 2025 — just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers reach their crucial stages.
For Ghana, securing Nketiah’s commitment would be a major boost as they aim to qualify for their fifth World Cup appearance. The Black Stars missed the knockout stages in Qatar 2022 and are determined to return stronger under a revamped technical team.
However, the ball remains firmly in Nketiah’s court. His decision will depend on a combination of emotional connection, playing opportunities, and his long-term career vision.
Conclusion
Eddie Nketiah’s latest remarks have rekindled hope among Ghanaian football fans that one of their own may finally return to embrace his roots. His admiration for Ghana’s culture, people, and footballing talent paints a picture of a player who feels deeply connected to both his English upbringing and Ghanaian identity.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the window for making a final decision is narrowing. Ghana could certainly use a proven finisher with Premier League experience, while Nketiah could gain a platform to make history with a nation that already considers him one of their own.
For now, the world watches and waits. Will Eddie Nketiah wear the red of the Black Stars and chase glory for Ghana — or will he continue his journey with England? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: his heart will always have a place in Ghana.
