2025 AFCONQ: Four Key Black Stars players ruled out of Niger game

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Jordan Ayew, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku have been ruled out of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Niger due to injuries, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced.

According to a statement by the GFA, Alidu Seidu and Gideon Mensah, who had to pass late fitness tests for the Angola game, have been ruled out after further post-game medical assessments revealed they are unfit for selection.

Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku sustained injuries during the Angola match. Although Ayew completed the game, MRI scans in Accra revealed significant issues with his knee. Issahaku, on the other hand, was substituted in the first half due to his injury.

Following consultations between Black Stars’ medical head Dr. Prince Pambo and Leicester City’s medical team, Ayew and Issahaku will rejoin their respective clubs on Sunday to begin rehabilitation.

Ghana will not participate in the 2025 AFCON tournament after drawing 1-1 with Angola on Friday. After five games, the Black Stars sit fourth in Group F with three points. With no chance of progress, the match against Niger now holds no significance for Ghana as they remain bottom of Group F.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will hold their final training session on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

This marks the first time in 21 years that Ghana will miss the Africa Cup of Nations.