Ajax star Mohammed Kudus makes Black Stars return ahead Nigeria showdown

Ajax star Mohammed Kudus’ Black Stars return has been confirmed after he was named in the Black Stars squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Nigeria.

Kudus’ return is a massive boost for the Black Stars going into the important games this month.

A fractured rib kept him out of action for a long period and that resulted in him missing the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

His absence was felt as Black Stars suffered a humiliating first round exit in Cameroon.

Kudus fully recovered in the middle of January, and although he hasn’t been used much by Ajax, the Black Stars technical team have invited him.

They believe the midfielder can play an influential role for the Black Stars who aim to overcome Nigeria and secure qualification to the World Cup finals.

Kudus is expected to arrive in camp on Tuesday as Black Stars step up preparations for the first leg slated for Kumasi.

The Black Stars began preparations on Monday. Seven players reported for first training at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Partey was among the seven players spotted at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Young winger Fatawu Issahaku, who is now based in Portugal, Edmund Addo, goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott, right-back Andy Yiadom and Abdul Manaf Nurudeen were also present.

The training was supervised by the technical team led by head coach Otto Addo with support from his technical advisor Chris Hughton, assistant coaches Mas-Ud Didi Dramani and George Boateng as well goalkeepers’ trainer Richard Kingston.

They will travel to Kumasi on Tuesday to continue their preparations.

The team will train on three occasions in Kumasi. Their first training is on Tuesday evening, another session on Wednesday before their final training on Thursday.

After the final training, coach Otto Addo and some players will interact with the media at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium media centre ahead of the first leg clash on Friday, March 25, 2022.

The return leg will be played four days later in Abuja at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.