By Lawrence Oshodi (SPORTS REPORTER) –
President Nana Akufo-Addo has stepped up the campaign by Ghana to get Chelsea star, Callum Hudson-Odoi to lace his boots for country’s national football team, the Black Stars.
The 20-year-old Ghanaian-born Callum, who was part of the Champions League winning Chelsea FC of England, is being lured to switch nationality and play for Ghana.
To this end, President Akufo-Addo has directed the country’s Minister of Sports, Mustapha Ussif, to take all necessary steps to ensure that Callum switches nationality, even as he has previously played for the Three Lions of England more than once.
It is believed that under the current FIFA’s eligibility rules, the Chelsea star stands a chance of still adorning Ghanaian jersey.
The move to get Callum to play for Ghana comes as the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be hosted by Cameroon from 9 January to 6 February 2022.
The president gave the directive when Callum, who is currently in the West African country for the summer holidays, paid him a courtesy call.
Since arriving the country, Callum, who played the Champions League finals match in which Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0, has stirred debate among Ghanaians, particularly football fans, who are eager that he plays the Black Stars, who are currently occupying the 8th position in African by FIFA ranking.
Confirming the development, President Akufo-Addo said in a statement:
On Monday, June 7, 2021, Ghanaian-born Chelsea footballer, Callum Hudson-Odoi, paid a courtesy call on me at Jubilee House, the seat of our nation’s presidency.
“Amongst others, I urged the Minister for Youth and Sports to explore the possibility of having Callum switch nationality, and play for the Black Stars.”