Turkey-based defender Jerome Opoku has been ruled out of the Black Stars’ crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger due to injury concerns.
Opoku reported pain in his left gluteal muscles, which was aggravated by training on the poor pitch in Kumasi.
After further medical evaluation, it was decided that the player would return to Turkey for treatment, including ultrasound-guided injections, in a bid to regain full fitness for his club’s next Turkish Super Lig fixture.
This development leaves Black Stars coach Otto Addo with a squad of 22 players for the vital match against Niger on Monday, September 9. Opoku, who was an unused substitute in Ghana’s recent 1-0 loss to Angola, will now focus on his recovery.