Ghanaian International Osman Bukari to return for Black Stars in 2022 World Cup playoff
Ghana winger Osman Bukari makes a return to the Black Stars for the World Cup playoff against Nigeria later this month.
He makes a return to the senior national team after making his debut against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The speedy winger also made his first start for the Black Stars against Sao Tome and Principe at the Accra Sports Stadium in the qualifiers.
The 23-year-old has been in fine form for French Ligue 1 side Nantes and has been rewarded for his impressive performance by Ghana coach Otto Addo.
Bukari showed glimpses of his performance and what Ghana should expect when Nantes defeated French champions PSG 3-1 in the Ligue I on February 19.
The former Gent midfielder is expected to replace Rennes midfielder Kamaldeen Sulemana on the wings should he get to start the game against Nigeria.
Kamaldeen Sulemana is a major doubt for the game after picking up an injury.
Black Stars interim Otto Addo is expected to name his squad in the coming days for the crucial encounter.
Ghana host Nigeria in the first leg on March 25 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium before traveling to Abuja for the second leg on March 29 at the Mashood Abiola Stadium.
Bukari debut Black Stars call-up
In March 2021, Gent midfielder Osman Bukari was invited for Ghana’s AFCON qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome later the month by Coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor.
The 22-year old is among five other foreign-based players to receive a maiden call up from Black Stars coach Akonnor for the doubleheader next week.
Osman has been top form for Belgian side Gent in the ongoing season since joining the side in the summer,
The former Accra Lions winger has made 24 appearances, scored four goals and registered six assists in the ongoing season.
The other debutants are Stephen Ambrosius (Hamburger SV), Kamal Sowah (OH Leuven), Kwasi Okyere Wriedt (Willem II), Kwame Afriyie Opoku (Colchester United) and Emmanuel Gyasi (Spezia FC).
Bukari linked with Nantes move
Six months into his maiden Black Stars call-up, Bukari was linked with a move to French side Nantes.
Sports World Ghana reported that Ghana international, Osman Bukari is nearing a move to French outfit Nantes for the 2021/22 season. The French Ligue 1 side in the coming hours after negotiations between his entourage and the club were fruitful.
Bukari, after just a season in Belgium will join the French club on loan for this season from Belgian side Gent.
The French side are said to have liked the abilities of the 22-year-old following his performances for the Belgian side last season, hence their decision to chase after him.
THE Ghanaian joined Gent from Slovakian side Trencin for in a deal said to be worth millions of Euros in September 2020 but has already grabbed the attention of many clubs across Europe.
Bukari netted four times for Gent in 25 appearances in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
Nantes confirmed Bukari move
In August 2021, French side Nantes expressed delight over the signing of Osman Bukari after they clinched the signing of the Ghana winger on Thursday.
Bukari joined French Ligue 1 side on a season long loan after Ghanasoccernet.com exclusively revealed the impending deal earlier in the day.
The 22-year-old moves to the Ligue 1 outfit from Belgium Jupiler Pro League side KAA Gent.
“FC Nantes and KAA Gent (Jupiler Pro League, BEL) have reached an agreement for the loan – without an option to buy – of the winger, Osman Bukari (22), until the end of the 2021 season. 2022,” wrote Nantes on their official website.
His moves comes without an option to buy, which means he will return to Belgium at the end of his stint.
Bukari joined Gent in the summer of 2020 from Slovakian club AS Trencin, where he excelled, after scoring 16 goals and providing 25 assists in 66 games.
He moved to Europe from newly promoted Ghana Premier League club, Accra Lions in 2018, joining Anderlecht’s U-21 on a six month loan deal.
His impressive display saw him earn a move to Slovakia.
