Eddie Nketiah, Crystal Palace striker has finally spoken after weeks of heated debate in Ghana over a possible nationality switch ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 26-year-old, who is eligible for both England and Ghana, says he is focused on his club career for now but remains proud of his Ghanaian roots.
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The discussion intensified after Ghana sealed qualification for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA, renewing public calls for top diaspora talents like Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi to join the Black Stars.
Nketiah: “I’m Ghanaian. No denying that.”
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, the former Arsenal forward kept his cards close to his chest:
“I’m just enjoying my football with Crystal Palace – that’s my main focus.
I’m Ghanaian and there’s no denying that. I’m proud of my roots. I’m sure the future will take care of itself.”
Under FIFA’s updated nationality rules, Nketiah can still switch since he has only made one senior appearance for England, a friendly against Australia in 2023.
The Ghana Football Association has long approached diaspora prospects, including Nketiah. But the 2026 World Cup qualification has intensified emotions, with many fans insisting that players who didn’t help Ghana qualify should not be invited now.
Sports journalist Muftawu Abdulai told the BBC that many supporters see late switches as “opportunistic.” Some Members of Parliament have reportedly echoed the same concerns.
Meanwhile, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo says any decision will be made on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing team unity and commitment:
“Ghana must have pride. We check commitment carefully because we have strong unity, and I don’t want to destroy that.”
Although he didn’t shut the door, Nketiah insists there have been no new approaches from the GFA:
“I haven’t had any calls recently. I’m focused on playing well and helping my team win trophies. If I keep doing the right things, the international future will resolve itself.”
Nketiah joined Crystal Palace from Arsenal in 2024 for £30m and helped the club win its first major trophy by scoring in their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.
Other Diaspora Names in the Mix
Alongside Nketiah, several foreign-born players have been linked to Ghana, including:
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest)
Jayden Addai (Como / Netherlands youth)
Tyrique George (Chelsea)
Joshua Acheampong (Chelsea)
Nketiah’s Strong Ties to Ghana Through Charity
Beyond football, Nketiah has deepened his connection with Ghana through philanthropic work. His Nketiah Foundation supports disadvantaged and disabled children and organised a youth football tournament in Ghana last year.
The striker received the Community Impact Award at the Best of Africa Awards for his efforts.
“God has blessed me with this ability and these opportunities.
I want to give back and spread love and joy because football is powerful.”
With social media buzzing about his future, Nketiah says he prefers to stay away from online debates:
“There’s a lot of negative and positive online, so I try to keep level-headed.”
For now, the striker’s focus remains on Crystal Palace, but his words suggest the door to Ghana remains open.
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