Accra: President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku has opened up on the growing trend of players with African roots opting to represent European national teams instead of their countries of origin, describing the situation as 'most unfortunate.' Speaking in an interview with SkySports, while discussing nationality choices in football, the Ghana FA president made his stance clear, insisting that players with Ghanaian heritage should ideally represent Ghana at international level.
According to Ghana Web, Okraku's comments come amid renewed discussion surrounding Kobbie Mainoo, who was eligible to play for Ghana but chose to represent England instead. When asked whether Mainoo's decision hurt him, Okraku appeared visibly frustrated and admitted he preferred not to speak on the matter.
The football administrator then referenced France's World Cup-winning squad, suggesting the heavy African influence in European national teams raises bigger questions about football identity and representation. Despite his concerns, Okraku acknowledged England's strength ahead of their clash with Ghana, but insisted the Black Stars would provide stern competition.