Ghanaian defender Nathaniel Adjei in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa stated he is closing in on a long-awaited return to action after spending nearly a year on the sidelines with an ankle injury that kept him out of 35 matches for French club Lorient.
In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, the 21-year-old confirmed that his recovery is progressing well and that he is finally ready to compete for a starting place again after being named on the bench in Lorient’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Stade Brestois last weekend — his first appearance in a Matchday squad in 346 days.
“The recovery is going really well, thankfully. Making the bench last week was already a big step for me. I’ve been training fully with the team, and if everything continues like this, I should be back playing soon. It’s just about regaining full match rhythm now,” Adjei said.
Ghana defender Nathaniel Adjei remains upbeat amid injury recovery
The injury setback required surgery and months of rehabilitation, halting his momentum after a promising start to life in France. But Adjei’s return comes as a timely boost for Lorient, who are battling to find form in Ligue 1 this season. The newly promoted side have managed just two wins in eight games, leaving them near the bottom of the table.
“It’s been a tough start, no doubt,” Adjei admitted. “We’ve been creating chances but not always taking them, and sometimes we lose focus in key moments. The team is working hard to fix that, and everyone is committed to turning things around. It’s a long season, and we believe the results will come with consistency and confidence.”
Adjei joined Lorient permanently in June 2024 on a two-year deal after impressing during a successful loan spell. Having already played in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, he believes the step up to the top flight demands greater tactical awareness and mental sharpness.
“The main difference is the intensity and quality,” he noted. “Ligue 1 is faster and more tactical — every mistake can be punished. In Ligue 2, the games are more physical, but in Ligue 1, you face technically gifted players who read the game better. You have to be sharper mentally and make quicker decisions.”
On souhaite aujourd’hui un joyeux anniversaire à Igor Silva ainsi qu’à Nathaniel Adjei 🎂🐟 pic.twitter.com/rslS6N4YIj
— FC LORIENT 🐟 (@FCLorient) August 21, 2025
In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, he also expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars’ potential to make a lasting impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Ghana has a strong squad with a lot of young talent and experience mixed in. If we stay united and focused, I believe we can surprise many people. Personally, it would mean everything to make the squad. I’m working hard to be ready and hopefully earn my place,” Adjei said.
Though Adjei missed the qualifiers due to a long-term ankle injury, his return to full fitness at Ligue 1 side Lorient comes at an ideal moment.
