Nicholas Opoku set for Black Stars return ahead of March friendlies
As Ghana prepares for its upcoming international friendlies in March against Austria and Germany, the technical team led by Coach Otto Addo will be evaluating players for inclusion in the Black Stars squad and Kasimpasa’s Nicholas Opoku has caught their eyes.
Opoku’s consistency, leadership in defence, and well-rounded skill set make him a player who deserves serious consideration for a return to the Black Stars.
Consistency and Reliability
Opoku has been a rock at the back for Kasimpasa, making 20 appearances, all of which have been full 90-minute performances, totaling 1,800 minutes this season.
This level of reliability is exceptional, especially when compared to the other defenders currently in the Black Stars setup.
His resilience in staying fit and consistently performing at a high level for Kasimpasa proves his readiness to take on the challenge of international football once again.
When compared to the other defenders in the squad, Opoku’s numbers stand out. For instance, Jerome Opoku has played 19 matches, while Jonas Adjetey has appeared in 15 matches. Alexander Djiku has made only nine appearances this season.
With such a workload, Opoku brings not just match fitness but also a level of experience and reliability that his peers may lack at this moment.
Tackling and Defensive Work Rate
While not the highest in tackles per game, he ranks 3rd among the Black Stars’ defenders with 1.3 tackles per game. More importantly, his ability to read the game and step in to break up opposition attacks has been impressive.
Although Jonas Adjetey and Alexander Djiku have slightly higher tackle rates (1.7 each), Opoku’s tackling is more efficient and timely, allowing him to not only stop individual attacks but also to prevent dangerous situations from escalating.
This ability to intervene and disrupt the opposing team’s build-up play is critical when facing top teams like Austria and Germany, who excel at maintaining possession and pressing high.
One of Opoku’s most impressive statistics is his ability to clear the ball, an essential skill for a centre-back, especially in high-stakes international encounters.
He leads the Black Stars’ defenders in clearances per game, with a remarkable 7.1 clearances per match. This attribute is vital, particularly when defending against aerial threats, set pieces, and long balls.
Compared to his peers, Nicholas Opoku’s clearances stand out by a large margin. Jerome Opoku, for example, averages just 4.2 clearances per game, while Jonas Adjetey manages only 6.1 clearances per match. Djiku and Kojo Oppong average 4.4 and 5.1 clearances per game, respectively.
Opoku’s superior clearance numbers show his ability to dominate in the air, which is especially important against teams like Austria and Germany, who pose significant aerial threats from set pieces and crosses. His ability to clear the ball under pressure is a key reason why Opoku should be considered a reliable asset for Ghana’s backline.
Recovery and Passing: The Complete Centre-Back
Opoku also ranks highly in terms of balls recovered, demonstrating his work rate and ability to win back possession in critical areas.
He ranks second among Black Stars defenders with 4.8 recoveries per game, showcasing his ability to contribute not only defensively but also in regaining control of the ball to launch counter-attacks.
This ability to recover the ball quickly can allow Ghana to transition smoothly and defend with confidence. His high recovery rate reflects a defender who is always alert, always in position to snuff out danger, and capable of snatching possession back when his team is under pressure.
In contrast, Jerome Opoku’s 2.9 recoveries per game seems to indicate a more passive role in regaining possession. Similarly, Djiku’s recovery rate of 2.8 per game highlights his more traditional role as a defender who focuses on basic defensive duties rather than proactively driving the ball forward. Kojo Oppong’s 3.2 recoveries are respectable, but they fall short of Opoku’s work rate, which is something that could help Ghana in transitional play.
Along with recovery, Opoku’s pass accuracy of 90% ranks second among the defenders. This statistic is particularly important for a centre-back, as it reflects not just defensive capabilities but also the ability to build attacks from the back.
Opoku’s composure on the ball and his ability to pass out from the back, even under pressure, makes him an asset in a modern defensive setup where playing out from the back is essential.
In comparison, Djiku’s pass accuracy of 89% and Kojo Oppong’s 92% are also commendable, but Opoku’s ability to maintain a high passing standard while balancing defensive duties gives him an edge over many of his competitors.
A Strong Case for Opoku’s Recall
Nicholas Opoku’s standout performances in the Turkish Super Lig make a compelling case for his return to the Black Stars ahead of Ghana’s March friendlies against Austria and Germany.
His defensive statistics—ranging from clearances to recoveries and pass accuracy—highlight how important he will be as a key defensive asset for Ghana’s national team. When compared to the other centre-backs in the current squad, Opoku’s consistency, durability, and technical qualities put him ahead of the competition.
Coach Otto Addo and his technical team would be wise to consider Nicholas Opoku for a call-up. His defensive attributes are exactly what Ghana needs as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.