Ghana make fresh approach to Eddie Nketiah: A choice between roots and Three Lions dream

Ghana have made their latest move to convince Eddie Nketiah – the 27-year-old Crystal Palace striker – to switch international allegiance to the West African nation. According to The Evening Standard, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) directly approached the player's representatives this past week, marking the third attempt in two years to bring him into the Black Stars fold. Eddie Nketiah was born in Lewisham, London, to Ghanaian parents. He represented England at U21 level and became the nation's all-time leading goalscorer for that age group. At senior level, Nketiah has only one cap – a friendly against Australia in October 2026. Since that match was not a competitive fixture, he remains eligible to change nationality under FIFA rules. The key requirement is that a player must not have appeared in more than three competitive senior matches for a country before turning 21. Nketiah has played zero competitive games for England, so his path to switch is clear. This is why the GFA has remained persistent. Nketiah's form at the start of the 2026/26 season has been a major plus. He has started all three Premier League matches for Crystal Palace, scoring once and providing one assist. Under the new manager – who has reportedly placed immediate trust in him – Nketiah is establishing himself as the club's first-choice striker. Last season was hampered by injuries, but this bright start suggests full fitness. Crystal Palace's hierarchy is not opposed to Nketiah playing for Ghana. An internal source revealed: 'We only care about his form. Playing for any national team helps increase the player's value.' This effectively leaves the final decision to Nketiah himself. Ghana urgently needs a Premier League-caliber striker to bolster their frontline. Meanwhile, England's attacking pool is overcrowded with Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Dominic Solanke, and rising young stars. Nketiah's chances of regular call-ups to the Three Lions are slim, especially now that he is 27 and no longer considered a promising youngster. However, committing to Ghana is irreversible. Once he plays an official match for the Black Stars, Nketiah can never return to England. This is a gamble many dual-nationality players have faced: wait for a rare spot on a top-tier team, or accept a guaranteed place on a mid-tier team that offers regular World Cup and AFCON participation. 'People laughed at me for three months, but laughter never scores goals.' I once wrote that when Monaco sold Mbappé and I was ridiculed. Nketiah now stands at a similar crossroads that only he can decide. If he wants to secure his international career, Ghana is the more realistic choice. If he still dreams of wearing the Three Lions at a Euro or World Cup, he will have to wait years more – with a high risk of never being recalled. Ultimately, Eddie Nketiah may give his answer during the November international break. The GFA hopes for a positive response, and African football fans – especially Ghanaians – are eagerly awaiting a Premier League striker to join the continent's ranks.