Former Ghana goalkeeper George Owu has urged coach Otto Addo to make Abdul Manaf Nurudeen the first-choice goalkeeper for the Black Stars at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Owu believes that the KAS Eupen shot-stopper will be the perfect fit for Ghana as Ghanaian football fans are watching how coach Otto Addo is bringing a cultural change to the team; one such change is the goalkeeping department.
The Black Stars first choice and second choice safest-pair-of-hands Joseph Wollacot and Richard Ofori have been ruled out of the mundial due to injuries.
Speaking in an interview with Nhyira FM, Owu who was asked to name his first-choice goalkeeper for the Black Stars at the global tournament, said, "But if you look at the other two goalkeepers [Manaf & Ati Zigi], I think Manaf can do it because when given the opportunity in Japan, he proved it and Ati Zigi has been a bit on and off.
"I think he [Manaf Nurudeen] built his confidence at the Kirin tournament and the players and the coaches had trust in him as well."
He added; "Though he was on a standby, if he’s back in the team now, why can’t he keep the post for Ghana?, although, It’s unfortunate that Richard Ofori and Joseph Wollacot will miss out [of the World Cup] because they have the experience. Danlad is a young goalkeeper who has been in the youth sides, the local Black Stars but he needs to be monitored for some time to learn more.
By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah
