Ghana went into their Unity Cup fixture against Nigeria on Wednesday without three of their regular squad members—Felix Afena Gyan, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Mohammed Salisu—after last-minute complications ruled them out of the tie in London.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) released an official statement just before kick-off, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the trio’s absence. According to the GFA, both Afena Gyan and Sulemana were unable to join the squad due to unresolved visa issues, which delayed their arrival in the United Kingdom. Mohammed Salisu, meanwhile, was ruled out due to personal reasons, with no further details provided.
“Afena Gyan and Ibrahim Sulemana are facing visa issues and have not yet arrived in London, while Mohammed Salisu is absent for personal reasons,” the federation stated, adding that they hope to have the players available for selection in Ghana’s upcoming match scheduled for Saturday, 31 May 2025.
Their absence was a significant blow to the Black Stars, who had hoped to field a full-strength side against one of their fiercest West African rivals. Afena Gyan, known for his pace and strength in attack, has become a consistent presence in the national team setup. His development in European football has made him a promising attacking option for Ghana, and his absence was felt in the final third.
Ibrahim Sulemana, a rising talent in midfield, was also expected to bring much-needed energy and creativity to the squad. His ability to link defence and attack has been a notable asset in previous international appearances, making his unavailability a notable setback for head coach Otto Addo.
Mohammed Salisu, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most dependable defenders, was another key figure missing from the lineup. The centre-back’s composure and defensive strength have made him a mainstay in the squad when fit and available. His absence due to undisclosed personal reasons left a notable gap in the backline.
Despite these setbacks, the Ghanaian side was determined to push ahead with the Unity Cup fixture, a match organised to celebrate diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations. The GFA expressed hope that all three players would resolve their respective issues in time to rejoin the squad for the weekend fixture.
The timing of the absences, particularly the visa complications, has raised questions around logistical planning for international call-ups, especially when games are held abroad. While such administrative challenges are not uncommon, their impact on team selection and performance continues to be a source of concern for national team managers.
As the Black Stars prepare for their next match on 31 May, the focus will turn to ensuring the return of Afena Gyan, Sulemana, and Salisu. Their reintegration will be crucial as Ghana looks to build momentum ahead of upcoming international commitments.
In the meantime, the team will rely on depth within the squad and the resilience of younger players looking to seize their chance on the international stage.
Update on Felix Afena-Gyan, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Mohammed Salisuhttps://t.co/FF86qHRoRu
— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) May 28, 2025
