FC Lorient defender Nathaniel Adjei has exclusively told Footy-Africa that he is delighted to return to the Black Stars after earning a call-up for Ghana’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and international friendly against Morocco.
Adjei returns to the national team after almost a year away, with his impressive start to the season at Lorient helping him secure a place in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the September-October international window.
“It feels great, honestly. It’s been a long journey, but I stayed focused and kept working hard. I’m happy to be back with the boys and ready to give my best again,” Adjei told Footy-Africa.
The 24-year-old has started all four of Lorient’s Ligue 1 matches this season, playing the full 90 minutes in each game as he continues to establish himself as an important part of the French side’s defence.
Adjei is now looking forward to contributing as Ghana begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Ivory Coast before facing The Gambia.
“I’m expecting tough games because both teams are strong. We have to prepare well, stay focused and work together as a team. The most important thing is to get positive results and start the qualifiers well.”
The Black Stars will face Ivory Coast in Bouaké on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29. Ghana will then travel to Tangier to face Morocco in an international friendly on October 4.
🫡 All set for the task ahead! ✊🏾
📋 Head Coach Carlos Queiroz has named the squad for our upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
⏳ #BlackStars will also face Morocco in an international friendly.
🇨🇮 vs 🇬🇭 (24 September – Bouaké)
🇬🇭 vs 🇬🇲 (29… pic.twitter.com/qD0jGe3KZM— 🇬🇭 Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) September 18, 2026
Adjei has made two appearances for Ghana since making his senior debut in 2024 and will now hope to add to his international tally.
His club form has also attracted interest from abroad, with Lorient rejecting a €2.5 million bid from Danish club FC Copenhagen for his services in the summer transfer window.
For Adjei, the immediate objective is to make the most of his return and help Ghana make a strong start to the AFCON qualifying campaign.
