Lorient defender Nathaniel Adjei made his long-awaited Black Stars debut on Monday, but the 22-year-old’s first appearance ended in disappointment after an early injury.
Adjei started in defense during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Niger, but was forced off the pitch after just 40 minutes with a suspected ankle injury.
The match at the Accra Sports Stadium ended in a 2-1 defeat for Ghana, concluding a dismal qualifying campaign in which the Black Stars failed to secure a single win and finished bottom of Group F.
Adjei’s early substitution compounded the team’s struggles, as coach Otto Addo had already fielded a heavily changed lineup featuring five debutants.
Despite the loss, there were some positive moments for Ghana, including a debut goal from 17-year-old Jerry Afriyie, which briefly equalized the match. However, Niger’s Oumar Sako scored a late header to secure the win, and a last-minute penalty from Mohammed Kudus was missed, preventing a potential draw.
Adjei’s injury now raises concerns for both the player and his club, Lorient. The young defender will be hoping for a quick recovery as he looks to establish himself in the national team despite the challenging start to his international career.
