Cybereagles

“The Nigerian Team Is Transformed” – Ghana’s Coach Wants To Emulate Super Eagles’ Diasporan Model
by Imhons Erons
9 hours ago in AFCON, News, Nigeria, World Cup

The two West African nations have a clutch of top quality foreign-born stars plying their trade in Europe, but only one has been able to leverage on that in recent times successfully

Ghana’s national team coach Charles Akonnor has commended the method adopted by Nigeria in inviting players born in Europe to boost the quality of the Super Eagles, and he reveals that he seeks to borrow that same playbook.

In recent years, the Super Eagles have boosted their squad with dual-citizenship stars like Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, and Victor Moses, with the latter inspiring Nigeria to her third African Cup of Nations title in 2013.

Kingsley Ehizibue, Joe Aribo, and Cyriel Dessers are among their latest acquisitions. At the same time, the likes of Queens Park Rangers playmaker Eberechi Eze, Liverpool attacker Ovie Ejaria, and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are reportedly being courted.

Coach Gernot Rohr also recently revealed that another two foreign-born stars have switched their international allegiance to Nigeria.

West African neighbours Ghana are one of the most successful nations at the AFCON, winning four titles and finishing as runners-up five times.

But the Black Stars last won the AFCON in 1982, and coach Akonnor has identified the Nigerian strategy as the best route to future success.

“The most important thing is those who were born in Europe. Some of them are eager to play for the Black Stars,” Akonnor told Starr FM.

“That is what we want to do. Look at Nigeria, I think they have done that in a very nice way.

“They have brought a lot of guys who were born in Europe, and the Nigerian team is now transformed, so we are trying to do the same with the national team.”

Ghana are already eyeing France-born Strasbourg centre-back Alexander Djiku, Anderlecht’s former Netherlands youth defender Derrick Luckassen, France-born Gent midfielder Elisha Owusu and Enock Kwateng of French side Bordeaux, as well as England-born Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
https://soccernet.ng/2020/08/the-nigeri ... model.html

Ghana coach Akonnor wants to follow Nigeria model in wooing Nketiah, Lamptey and co.
Prince Narkortu Teye

The Black Stars boss reveals their plans to strengthen the team's talent pool
Ghana coach CK Akonnor has revealed admiration for Nigeria's national team player pool enhancement model of actively pursuing footballers of Nigerian roots in the diaspora.

In recent years, the Super Eagles have boosted their squad with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun, who all qualified to play for various European nations either through birth place or parentage.

Kingsley Ehizibue, Joe Aribo and Cyriel Dessers are among their latest acquisitions while the likes of Queens Park Rangers playmaker Eberechi Eze, Liverpool attacker Ovie Ejaria and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are reportedly being courted.

"The most important thing is those who were born in Europe. Some of them are eager to play for the Black Stars," Akonnor told Starr FM.

“That is what we want to do. Look at Nigeria, I think they have done that in a very nice way.

“They have brought a lot of guys who were born in Europe and the Nigerian team is now transformed so we are trying to do the same with the national team.”

In March, Akonnor, after a European tour, revealed a roster of seven Ghanaian disaporans who have either agreed to switch international allegiance to Ghana or are considering a possible career with the Black Stars.

France-born Strasbourg centre-back Alexander Djiku, Anderlecht's former Netherlands youth defender Derrick Luckassen, France-born Gent midfielder Elisha Owusu and Enock Kwateng of French side Bordeaux, according to Akonnor, have decided to turn up for the Black Stars.

The coach also revealed he was in discussion with Belgium and Anderlecht duo Francis Amuzu and Geremy Doku, and Ajax and Netherlands youth striker Brian Brobbey over a switch of international allegiance.

“With regards to European-born players, it’s necessary for me to let you know the names [of the players we are working on],” Akonnor said at a press conference.

“Those I spoke to want to play [for Ghana] but they are also not familiar with our lifestyle here. They don’t know what is going on, some probably just come here [briefly] and go back.

“They don’t know anything about us and I think it is important for us to encourage them to come here and see what is going on here. They are willing to come but they don’t know what it is [like here].”

“Talking of quality players, I think I made mention of six or five players which I believe are quality [players]. They’ll enhance the way we play, the way we go forward. These names are with the FA and the FA has already started working on it.

“We cannot get them now but once we get them, they’ll improve our team. Once we have quality, they will improve our chance of winning Afcon.

“Djiku and Owusu are currently eligible to play. Management is working hard to get them on board.”


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“Hopefully we’ll be able to get them [seven players] on board.”

Most recently, Ghana have been linked to Brighton and Hove Albion fullback Tariq Lamptey and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, both England-born. Earlier, Akonnor revealed he is currently in talks with the latter's parents in a bid to woo the forward over to the Black Stars.

It will not be Ghana's first time securing players in the diaspora as the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Emmanuel Frimpong and Adam Larsen Kwarasey have all played for the Black Stars in recent times.
https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/ghana-c ... ges7v32bwn

Ghana coach Akonnor wants to follow Nigeria model in wooing Nketiah, Lamptey and co.

The Black Stars boss reveals their plans to strengthen the team's talent pool
Ghana coach CK Akonnor has revealed admiration for Nigeria's national team player pool enhancement model of actively pursuing footballers of Nigerian roots in the diaspora.

In recent years, the Super Eagles have boosted their squad with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun, who all qualified to play for various European nations either through birth place or parentage.

Kingsley Ehizibue, Joe Aribo and Cyriel Dessers are among their latest acquisitions while the likes of Queens Park Rangers playmaker Eberechi Eze, Liverpool attacker Ovie Ejaria and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are reportedly being courted.

"The most important thing is those who were born in Europe. Some of them are eager to play for the Black Stars," Akonnor told Starr FM.

“That is what we want to do. Look at Nigeria, I think they have done that in a very nice way.

“They have brought a lot of guys who were born in Europe and the Nigerian team is now transformed so we are trying to do the same with the national team.”

In March, Akonnor, after a European tour, revealed a roster of seven Ghanaian disaporans who have either agreed to switch international allegiance to Ghana or are considering a possible career with the Black Stars.

France-born Strasbourg centre-back Alexander Djiku, Anderlecht's former Netherlands youth defender Derrick Luckassen, France-born Gent midfielder Elisha Owusu and Enock Kwateng of French side Bordeaux, according to Akonnor, have decided to turn up for the Black Stars.

The coach also revealed he was in discussion with Belgium and Anderlecht duo Francis Amuzu and Geremy Doku, and Ajax and Netherlands youth striker Brian Brobbey over a switch of international allegiance.

“With regards to European-born players, it’s necessary for me to let you know the names [of the players we are working on],” Akonnor said at a press conference.

“Those I spoke to want to play [for Ghana] but they are also not familiar with our lifestyle here. They don’t know what is going on, some probably just come here [briefly] and go back.

“They don’t know anything about us and I think it is important for us to encourage them to come here and see what is going on here. They are willing to come but they don’t know what it is [like here].”

“Talking of quality players, I think I made mention of six or five players which I believe are quality [players]. They’ll enhance the way we play, the way we go forward. These names are with the FA and the FA has already started working on it.

“We cannot get them now but once we get them, they’ll improve our team. Once we have quality, they will improve our chance of winning Afcon.

“Djiku and Owusu are currently eligible to play. Management is working hard to get them on board.”

“Hopefully we’ll be able to get them [seven players] on board.”

Most recently, Ghana have been linked to Brighton and Hove Albion fullback Tariq Lamptey and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, both England-born. Earlier, Akonnor revealed he is currently in talks with the latter's parents in a bid to woo the forward over to the Black Stars.

It will not be Ghana's first time securing players in the diaspora as the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Emmanuel Frimpong and Adam Larsen Kwarasey have all played for the Black Stars in recent times.

https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/ghana-c ... ges7v32bwn

The North Africans started the trend.

Algeria and Morocco. I think it was Morocco's team at the World Cup that were almost entirely foreign born.

Senegal and CIV, other francophone countries have also taken this avenue.

Nothing wrong with this approach, while also trying to build up your own academies and leagues at home.

vancity eagle wrote:The North Africans started the trend.

Algeria and Morocco. I think it was Morocco's team at the World Cup that were almost entirely foreign born.

Senegal and CIV, other francophone countries have also taken this avenue.

Nothing wrong with this approach, while also trying to build up your own academies and leagues at home.

It's a game changer. Countries like Cape Verde etc have become more competitive as a result.

They stil l won't find a player over 5ft 6.

Ghana has a long history too, Quincy, KPB, Agogo, Baffoe, their keeper at the 2014 world cup and to a lesser extent the Ayews (who threatened to play for French youth teams if they didn't get senior invitations).

EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA wrote:They stil l won't find a player over 5ft 6.

vancity eagle wrote:The North Africans started the trend.

Algeria and Morocco. I think it was Morocco's team at the World Cup that were almost entirely foreign born.

Senegal and CIV, other francophone countries have also taken this avenue.

Nothing wrong with this approach, while also trying to build up your own academies and leagues at home.

You’re right.

iworo wrote:Ghana coach Akonnor wants to follow Nigeria model in wooing Nketiah, Lamptey and co.

The Black Stars boss reveals their plans to strengthen the team's talent pool
Ghana coach CK Akonnor has revealed admiration for Nigeria's national team player pool enhancement model of actively pursuing footballers of Nigerian roots in the diaspora.

In recent years, the Super Eagles have boosted their squad with the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun, who all qualified to play for various European nations either through birth place or parentage.

Kingsley Ehizibue, Joe Aribo and Cyriel Dessers are among their latest acquisitions while the likes of Queens Park Rangers playmaker Eberechi Eze, Liverpool attacker Ovie Ejaria and Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka are reportedly being courted.

"The most important thing is those who were born in Europe. Some of them are eager to play for the Black Stars," Akonnor told Starr FM.

“That is what we want to do. Look at Nigeria, I think they have done that in a very nice way.

“They have brought a lot of guys who were born in Europe and the Nigerian team is now transformed so we are trying to do the same with the national team.”

In March, Akonnor, after a European tour, revealed a roster of seven Ghanaian disaporans who have either agreed to switch international allegiance to Ghana or are considering a possible career with the Black Stars.

France-born Strasbourg centre-back Alexander Djiku, Anderlecht's former Netherlands youth defender Derrick Luckassen, France-born Gent midfielder Elisha Owusu and Enock Kwateng of French side Bordeaux, according to Akonnor, have decided to turn up for the Black Stars.

The coach also revealed he was in discussion with Belgium and Anderlecht duo Francis Amuzu and Geremy Doku, and Ajax and Netherlands youth striker Brian Brobbey over a switch of international allegiance.

“With regards to European-born players, it’s necessary for me to let you know the names [of the players we are working on],” Akonnor said at a press conference.

“Those I spoke to want to play [for Ghana] but they are also not familiar with our lifestyle here. They don’t know what is going on, some probably just come here [briefly] and go back.

“They don’t know anything about us and I think it is important for us to encourage them to come here and see what is going on here. They are willing to come but they don’t know what it is [like here].”

“Talking of quality players, I think I made mention of six or five players which I believe are quality [players]. They’ll enhance the way we play, the way we go forward. These names are with the FA and the FA has already started working on it.

“We cannot get them now but once we get them, they’ll improve our team. Once we have quality, they will improve our chance of winning Afcon.

“Djiku and Owusu are currently eligible to play. Management is working hard to get them on board.”

“Hopefully we’ll be able to get them [seven players] on board.”

Most recently, Ghana have been linked to Brighton and Hove Albion fullback Tariq Lamptey and Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, both England-born. Earlier, Akonnor revealed he is currently in talks with the latter's parents in a bid to woo the forward over to the Black Stars.

It will not be Ghana's first time securing players in the diaspora as the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Emmanuel Frimpong and Adam Larsen Kwarasey have all played for the Black Stars in recent times.

https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/ghana-c ... ges7v32bwn

WHAT I'VE SAID ABOUT NIGERIA APPLIES TO GHANA


The emphasis should be on developing those born and living in the country. Then if there's mutual interest between an overseas born or bred Nigerian and the team, by all means bring such in. But the likes of Osimhen should not be allowed to develop like fruits grow in the wild. They must be found and helped.
Bell

I could be wrong, but didn't Nigeria join the "cap foreign born players" trend rather late? the likes of Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, CIV and even Ghana have been doing it before us. That's why I laugh when people come here to complain about us capping too many "foreign horns"... like we just joined the trend.

They’d be making a big mistake. Nigeria will never realize her true greatness in soccer until she learns to harness her home grown resources. There is no substitute for the development of domestic football


Cheers.

They’d be making a big mistake. Nigeria will never realize her true greatness in soccer until she learns to harness her home grown resources. There is no substitute for the development of domestic football


Cheers.

Ghana cannot get home born defender, Salisu Mohammed, who recently moved to Southampton to play for them, are now trying to get the foreign born players.
They should get the home breeds to play for them before chasing the foreign born players.

Dammy wrote:Ghana cannot get home born defender, Salisu Mohammed, who recently moved to Southampton to play for them, are now trying to get the foreign born players.
They should get the home breeds to play for them before chasing the foreign born players.

Nigeria’s activities in this regard was more random than it is by any design hence it doesn’t become rather a rigid strategy that limits where you can recruit from. And it doesn’t disillusion local talents. As far as I know Rohr doesn’t have such a mandate and he is obliged to accord all available talents same opportunities. It's not as if we are giving the national team away, no we are only considering players who are truly patriotic and embody the national values Which the team promotes. We didn’t go begging onuoha or ibe when they showed no zeal to be part of that value. So if Ghana emulates that it stands to gain tremendously but if ghana mischaracterizes what we are doing then I’m afraid it’s end result would not reflect ours either

TonyTheTigerKiller wrote:They’d be making a big mistake. Nigeria will never realize her true greatness in soccer until she learns to harness her home grown resources. There is no substitute for the development of domestic football


Cheers.

WHICH IS EXACTLY...


...what I've been saying.
Bell