Rangers FC midfielder Mohamed Baba Diomande has become the latest name to turn down a Black Stars invite. Mohammed Diomande rejected Ghana’s overtures, saying he wants to defend the colours of his country, Ivory Coast.
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Born in Ivory Coast in a village called Yopougon, a suburb of Abidjan, Mohammed Diomande spent his formative years in Ghana, where he attended the famed Right to Dream Academy. Now playing for Scottish.
After moving to Danish Superliga side Nordsjælland from Right to Dream in Ghana, Mohammed Diomande has blossomed to become a key player. He earned a transfer to Scottish giants Rangers FC during the January transfer window.
His rise to the top caught the handlers of the Black Stars, with new head coach Otto Addo including him in his maiden squad on his return to the job. However, the youngster wants to play for the African champions, the Elephants, who have yet to give him an invite.
Mohammed Diomande posted a picture of himself with his father on social media with a caption professing his love for his country while acknowledging Ghana’s efforts.
“As a child passionate about football, my dream was to become a professional footballer and to defend the colours of my country wherever I go and play with the national team,” he stated.
“Today I am really grateful with ALLAH for having achieved part of this dream; that of becoming a professional footballer, it remains the other part; that of joining the national team and also of making my parents proud.”
Speaking about Ghana’s invitation, he said, “In addition, I am equally aware of the interest in my host country, Ghana, where I have spent more than 7 years of my life and training as a footballer.”
He said he is in contact with Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, and has communicated his decision to the coach.
“However, a lot has been said, but I am in direct contact with the manager concerned by my decision, and it is he who holds the real information about my choice.”
“I would like to thank my club, Rangers FC, for their support, my family, and also all my fans during this period.”
A talent hunt shame for Ghana?
Mohammed Diomande’s surprise inclusion in the squad for the upcoming friendlies was not a solo incident. The handlers of the national team also invited David Akologo, a Ghanaian goalkeeper who plays in the Bolivian Professional Football League for Club Deportivo Aurora. Though David was born in Ghana, he has stayed long enough in the South American country and is eligible for citizenship. Akologo was invited to the Bolivian national team for their match against Algeria and Andorra.
The 27 year-old decided to stay with the Bolivian national team, leaving Ghanaians asking why he was invited at all given that Bolivia had already invited him. Aside from the aforementioned duo, talks have been rife about getting Manchester United’s new boy, Kobbie Maino, to play for the Black Stars. However, the Red Devil has been promoted from the English U-21 side to the Three Lions. He said his focus is on getting a spot in Gareth Southgate’s side for Euro 2024; that completely shuts the door on Ghana for him.
