Belgium born Ghana International Denis Odoi Opens Up on His ‘Agape Love’ for Black Stars

Belgium born Ghana International Denis Odoi Opens Up on His ‘Agape Love’ for Black Stars

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:05 PM
  • Former Fulham defender Denis Odoi has disclosed his fondness for Ghana despite being born in Belgium
  • The 33-year-old has played for the various age-group teams of Belgium including featuring once for the Belgium national team
  • Since switching his allegiance to Ghana, the Club Brugge defender has made three appearances for the Black Stars

Black Stars defender Denis Odoi has shed light on the reason why he loves Ghana.

The Belgium-born utility player completed his almost four-year nationality switch this year before making his long-awaited debut in the World Cup play-offs against Nigeria.

Odoi put in a masterclass performance on his Black Stars debut shutting out lethal Nigerian wingers, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon as Ghana held their West African rivals to a goalless draw in the first leg.

Denis Odoi, Leuven, Belgium, Ghana, Black Stars, Fulham, Club Brugge, nationality switch, international allegiance
Denis Odoi has become an influential member of the Black Stars since making his debut in March. Photo credit: @Ghanablackstars
Source: Twitter

In the reverse tie, an uncharacteristic mistake by Odoi led to a penalty which was scored by Troost-Ekong but that will prove to be a leveller as Thomas Partey's early strike was enough to send Ghana to the World Cup on the away goal rule.

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He has since become an instrumental figure in coach Otto Addo's plans and barren any unforeseen circumstances, the 33-year-old will be on the 26-man squad to Qatar.

The former Fulham FC defender Odoi revealed why he likes Ghana.

“Obviously, Ghana is a part of me. I have a difficult relationship with my father, he is the part that is Ghanaian for me. So, this is an ideal opportunity to find out what Ghana is: the part of me that is Ghanaian and see where certain things come from, I guess," he said as quoted by Football Ghana.
He continued: “Everybody here is just more straightforward and will tell you as it is. But also, it’s like a feeling of togetherness, everybody is open, and welcoming to one another. Everybody wants to help you.”

Premier League club Fulham gifts Denis Odoi honorary award

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that English Premier League-bound Fulham FC celebrated fan favourite Denis Odoi following the club's return to the English top-flight.

The Cottagers smashed Luton Town 7-0 in their final home game of the season to clinch the 2021-22 English Championship in grand style.

Odoi, who swapped the English Championship for the Belgian top-flight in January, was presented with the Forever Fulham award at halftime to acknowledge his service to the club.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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GhanaGhana Football Association (GFA)