New Ghana midfielder Ronald Donkor has expressed his excitement after earning his first-ever call-up to the senior national team ahead of the Black Stars’ upcoming international assignments.
The New York Red Bulls midfielder has been included in Carlos Queiroz’s squad as Ghana prepares to begin its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire away in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia in the qualifiers. The Black Stars will then travel to Morocco for an international friendly on October 4.
For Donkor, the invitation marks an important milestone in his young career and fulfils a dream he has carried for several years.
The midfielder said he was extremely happy and grateful after receiving the invitation to join the Black Stars.
He also expressed confidence that Ghanaian supporters would get the opportunity to see what he can contribute once he begins playing for the national team.
Donkor’s call-up comes as Queiroz reshapes the squad ahead of the new AFCON qualifying campaign, with several players unavailable because of injuries and other circumstances.
The midfielder will now compete with other players for a place in the team as the Portuguese coach assesses his options ahead of the opening matches.
Beyond the excitement surrounding his first national-team invitation, Donkor has also revealed the personal story behind his nickname, “Agogo”.
According to the young midfielder, he was given the nickname because of his admiration for the late Ghana striker Junior Agogo.
Donkor said he has always loved Agogo, who remains a memorable figure among Ghanaian football supporters.
Junior Agogo was particularly influential during Ghana’s run at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played an important role as the Black Stars finished third on home soil.
Agogo’s strength, direct style of play and goals for Ghana made him a popular figure among supporters.
For Donkor, carrying a nickname associated with the former Black Stars striker adds a personal dimension to his first senior national-team experience.
The midfielder will now have the opportunity to create his own story with the national team while drawing inspiration from a player he admired.
Donkor has made it clear that his ambitions go beyond simply receiving his first call-up.
He wants to contribute to Ghana’s success, win matches and eventually help the Black Stars compete for trophies.
He also explained that one of his major motivations is to provide for his family while representing his country.
His ambitions reflect the significance of the national team opportunity for a young Ghanaian footballer seeking to establish himself at the highest level.
Donkor will now have to adapt quickly to the demands of senior international football as Ghana prepares for two important AFCON qualifiers.
The midfielder’s immediate challenge will be to impress Queiroz during training and demonstrate that he can compete for a place among the established members of the Black Stars.
His inclusion also gives Ghana another option in midfield at a time when the technical team is dealing with several changes to the squad.
For Donkor, however, the focus will be on making the most of his opportunity.
The upcoming qualifiers could provide the New York Red Bulls player with his first taste of competitive international football if he is selected to feature.
Whether he starts or comes from the bench, his maiden call-up represents an important step in his development.
And with Junior Agogo serving as the inspiration behind his nickname, Donkor will now hope to begin a Black Stars journey that allows him to create his own memorable chapter in Ghanaian football.
