France Born Ghanaian Defender Opens Up on Why He Rejected Advances Made by GFA for Nationality Switch

• Black Stars central defender Alexander Djiku has explained why he snubbed initial attempts made by the Ghana Football Association over a switch of nationality
• Born in the French city of Montpellier, Djiku was eligible to represent both France and Ghana however the Strasbourg defender chose to represent the latter at the international level
• The 27-year-old defender is expected to play a crucial role in Ghana's campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup

Alexander Djiku has shed light on why he rejected advances made by the Ghana Football Association over a switch of allegiance.

Born in France, Djiku was eligible to play for his country of birth and Ghana but the Strasbourg defender declined several attempts made by the football federation to switch his nationality.

Fast forward the 27-year-old centre-half has racked up ten caps for the Black Stars since making his debut for the four-time African champions against Mali in October 2020.

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Djiku, who was voted as Strasbourg's Player of the month of March, explained the rationale behind his initial decline.

“I first wanted to settle in a club before thinking about the selection. I knew that one day it would happen, I had no doubts, even if it took a few years,” the Racing Strasbourg defender told ‘So Foot’ in an interview as quoted by Football Ghana.

He has become an integral member of the Black Stars, forming an impermeable partnership with Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey in the heart of the defence for Ghana.

Alexander Djiku reacts after Ghana's qualification for Qatar 2022

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that France-born Ghanaian defender, Alexander Djiku is already looking forward to the World Cup in Qatar this year after his impressive display against Nigeria helped the Black Stars make a return to the global showpiece.

The Strasbourg centre-back was in scintillating form in the two-legged play-off against Nigeria, keeping the star-studded attacking line of Nigeria, which included Napoli's hitman Victor Osimhen, at bay.

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In a post on Twitter, Djiku expressed delight in Ghana's qualification and also thanked the fans for their immense support for the Black Stars.