On-form Rangers footballer faces difficult international decision after being called up by both Ghana and Ivory Coast

FOOTBALL On-form Rangers footballer faces difficult international decision after being called up by both Ghana and Ivory Coast

Mark Kinyanjui 17:00 - 17.03.2024

Mohammed Diomande is in a dilema after he was called up by both the Ghana national team and the Ivory Coast U-23 side for the upcoming international window.

Rangers winger Mohamed Diomande faces a unique and potentially pivotal decision regarding his international football career after receiving call-ups from both Ghana and Ivory Coast for their respective fixtures during the March international break.

Diomande, who has been in impressive form at club level this season, finds himself in the Ivory Coast's U-23 squad for their upcoming match against France.

Ghana head coach Otto Addo has also included him his  roster for friendlies against Nigeria and Uganda.

The 22-year-old midfielder's background adds complexity to his decision-making process. Born in Yopougon, a suburb of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Diomande holds full Ivorian citizenship without any familial ties to Ghana.

However, his upbringing largely took place in Ghana, where he joined the Right to Dream Academy at a young age before venturing to Europe at 16 to join Danish side Nordsjaelland. 

Reports suggest he holds a Ghanaian passport, potentially making him eligible to represent Ghana.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) reportedly conducted thorough due diligence on Diomande’s eligibility before extending the call-up, ensuring no potential future issues arise regarding his representation of Ghana.

Despite the Ghanaian call-up, Diomande retains the option to play for Ivory Coast in the future, particularly given that the upcoming matches for Ghana are not competitive fixtures.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Diomande. Will he choose to represent his native Ivory Coast at the U-23 level, with hopes of a senior call-up in the future? 

Or will he opt to immediately don the Ghanaian jersey at the senior level? Only time will reveal his choice, as he weighs his personal ties, football aspirations, and international opportunities.

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