Defender Jerome Opoku has left Black Stars camp in Morocco due to injury, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed.
Opoku will miss the Black Stars’ upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group F qualifier against Niger.
The İstanbul Başakşehir defender reported discomfort in his left gluteal muscles, which was further aggravated by the poor training pitch conditions in Kumasi, according to the GFA.
Following a medical evaluation, Opoku has returned to Turkey to undergo treatment, including ultrasound-guided injections, as he aims to recover in time for his club’s next match in the Turkish Super Lig.
Opoku’s absence marks the second player loss for the Black Stars, with Joseph Paintsil already sidelined due to visa and passport complications ahead of the team’s trip to Morocco.
Coach Otto Addo is now left with 22 players for the crucial match against Niger, which is set to take place on Monday at the Stade Municipal de Berkane with kick-off scheduled at 16:00GMT.
Opoku was an unused substitute in the Black Stars’ previous game against Angola, held at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium last Thursday.
Ghana is aiming to secure their first win after suffering a 1-0 defeat against Angola in their opener at the Baba Yara Stadium.