Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams to represent Ghana at World Cup

Athletic Club forward Inaki Williams has completed his International allegiance switch to Ghana ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Inaki Williams has previously represented Spain once at the senior national level, with the single cap coming in a friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2016.

The striker has also featured for the Spanish underage teams, including the under-21 national team. However, the player who was born in Bilbao has two Ghanaian parents and has now decided to play international football in the white and black of the Black Stars of Ghana rather than the red of the La Roja of Spain.

The 28-year-old player’s switch to Ghana was announced on Tuesday, with Inaki Williams posting a video on his social media handles to acknowledge the change.

“Every step we take forward has its own meaning… a glance into the future which leaves a trace itself. A legacy. My parents have raised me with values based on humility, respect, and love. That’s why I feel the moment has come for me to find my origins within myself and with Africa and Ghana, which means so much to my family and me.” Williams said.

According to FIFA rules, players who have not played up to three matches before 21 and have not also played at a FIFA World Cup and international tournament for a country are eligible to switch.

Inaki Williams’ stamina and strength have made him beat the record of the longest appearance streak, which was 202 bur has now played 233 matches uninterrupted for Bilbao.

Ghana qualified for the World Cup ahead of West African rivals Nigeria after a 0-0 draw in Cape Coast Ghana and the 1-1 draw in Abuja, which saw the Ghanaians qualify for the World Cup all goals difference.

The Ghanaians are also looking to switch more players, including England under-21 player and Brighton Hove and Albion defender Tariq Lamptey.

Ghana are grouped alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to start in November.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu