Black Stars midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has spoken out since Ghana’s high-stakes clash with rivals Nigeria, stating he gave everything he could to help the senior national team in what was one of the most anticipated nerve cracking face off in recent memory.
Yirenkyi, who made his debut for the Black Stars by climbing off the bench at halftime to substitute Kamaradini Mamudu at right back, was thrust into the spotlight during the crucial international fixture, earning praise from many fans for his composure and commitment despite the intensity of the match.
“I think it was a good opportunity for me to help, do my best for the team, and this was the main goal,” Yirenkyi told 3Sports in a post-match interview. “I had a lot of praise, and I am happy with that.”
Though the match ended in a defeat for Ghana, the Black Stars performance — particularly in defence — was commended, with Yirenkyi being one of the standout performers in the second half. The youngster made several key interceptions and showed maturity beyond his age against a dangerous Nigerian frontline.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who plies his trade in Denmark for FC Nordsjaelland, has been on the radar of coach Otto Addo for some time now. His inclusion in the squad was initially met with mixed reactions due to his relative inexperience at the international level, but his display in the Super Eagles clash has quickly silenced critics.
His calm presence and solid positioning have not only impressed fans but also coaching staff, who are reportedly considering giving him more minutes in upcoming qualifiers.
As Ghana prepares for its next round of fixtures in the World Cup qualifiers, Yirenkyi’s performance may mark the beginning of a promising career in the national setup.
By: Pascal Amoah
