Inaki Williams: Games the Athletic Bilbao Star Will Miss While on AFCON Duty With Ghana Black Stars

• Athletic Bilbao forward, Inaki Williams is set to star for Ghana at the upcoming 2023 AFCON
• Williams, who will be making his AFCON bow this year, has hopes of winning the tournament
• His involvement in the continental championship will see him miss key encounters for Bilbao

Inaki Williams is set for his maiden Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey with Ghana's Black Stars, heading to Ivory Coast for the prestigious tournament.

The Athletic Bilbao forward, who switched nationalities ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is poised to make his debut at the continental championship.

While Williams has struggled to score for the West African nation - with only one goal in 13 appearances - he has enjoyed adoration in the Basque region, where he's hailed as an Athletic Bilbao superstar.

With over 375 appearances for the Spanish team, including an impressive La Liga record of playing 251 consecutive games, the 29-year-old continues to be a vital force amid their 2023/24 league campaign.

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Contributing 11 goals (eight goals and three assists) in 19 games across all competitions, per Transfermarkt, Williams' significance to the Red and Whites is evident as they strive for UEFA Champions League qualification.

However, his commitment to the national team demands that he temporarily shift focus from Bilbao. Ahead of the start of the impending 2023 AFCON, Sports Brief takes a look at the games he will miss at club level.

Athletic Bilbao games Inaki Williams will miss

Inaki is slated to miss three crucial games for Athletic Bilbao from January 13 to 22.

During this period, Ghana - spearheaded by the speed merchant - will be battling for a spot in the round of 16 at AFCON with the likes of Egypt in Group B.

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According to Al Jazeera, the Black Stars' campaign kicks off on January 14 against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde. Four days later, they face Egypt, a fixture that stands out as one of the group stage highlights.

In their final group clash, Inaki's national team will challenge Mozambique's Mambas, who are preparing for their fifth AFCON appearance, per 3news.

If Ghana advances to the finals of the tournament, the forward will miss an additional three games as the continental showpiece reaches the business end.

Bilbao games Inaki Williams could miss

While this could impact Bilbao's bid for a top-four spot and progression in the Copa del Rey, the Basque club might find comfort in Ghana's less-than-impressive recent AFCON performances.

The West Africans struggled in the previous edition in Cameroon, exiting in the group stages and finishing at the bottom of a group that included Morocco, Gabon, and underdogs Comoros.

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To put it in perspective, the Black Stars have only secured one victory across the last two continental tournaments, with their sole AFCON win occurring against Guinea-Bissau on July 2, 2019.

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Inaki Williams dreams of AFCON glory

Sports Brief previously reported on Inaki Williams outlining his AFCON aspirations ahead of the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.

Born in Spain to Ghanaian parents, the 29-year-old had the option to represent La Roja at the international level due to his heritage.

However, Williams chose instead to play for his parents' homeland, Ghana, and has been included in the Black Stars AFCON squad.