Club Brugge defender Denis Odoi has disclosed that he was surprised to earn a maiden Ghana call-up ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-offs against Nigeria.
The 33-year-old was included in the 27-man squad released by Black Stars coach Otto Addo on Tuesday.
Odoi made one senior appearance for Belgium in 2012 in a friendly match against Montenegro after featuring for the U-20 and U-21 teams, however he made it know he’s willing to switch allegiance to Ghana after being snubbed for two years by Belgium.
“I was a bit surprised,” the experienced right-back said, as quoted by HammyEnd. “These are two vital matches that we are going to play. I might even go to the World Cup.
“Do I feel like a real Ghanaian? We are not going to be stupid: I am of course more Belgian. But my father is from Ghana, so that’s part of me anyway. That is why I am proud to play for the national team.”
He added, “I can still represent Ghana. Playing for that country seems like the ideal way to discover my roots.”
Black Stars will host Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff on March 25 at the Baba Yara stadium, before travelling to Abuja for the return leg on March 29, 2022, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
This upcoming encounter is one that will be keenly watched by football fans in Accra and Abuja because of the known rivalry between the two countries.
The winner of the tie will represent the continent at the World football showpiece which is scheduled to take place from November 21 to December
The Super Eagles are seeking to qualify for the global showpiece a 7th time and, since 1994, have missed only one of seven editions. The last of three appearances by Ghana was in 2014.