Turkey-based defender Jerome Opoku has been ruled out of Ghana’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger after sustaining an injury during training.
The 24-year-old reported discomfort in his left gluteal muscles, which worsened during a session on the substandard pitch in Kumasi. Following a medical assessment, it was decided that Opoku would return to Turkey for treatment. His recovery plan includes ultrasound-guided injections aimed at getting him back to full fitness ahead of his club’s next Turkish Super Lig match.
The news is a blow to Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, who will now have a 22-man squad for the must-win qualifier on Monday, September 9. Opoku, an unused substitute in Ghana’s recent 1-0 defeat to Angola, will now focus on his rehabilitation.
Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament remain high, but the absence of Opoku adds to the team’s mounting challenges as they prepare for the crucial tie.
