2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Nathaniel Adjei earns Black Stars recall after impressive Lorient start

Former Black Satellites captain Nathaniel Adjei has been recalled to the Black Stars for the first time in almost a year after his impressive start to the season with French side Lorient.

The Ghana centre-back has established himself as a key figure in Lorient's defence during the opening weeks of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 campaign, starting all four league matches and playing every minute available.

Adjei's run began with a goalless draw away at Nice, before he completed another full match against Troyes.

He followed that by helping Lorient secure a 1-0 away win over Lens before playing the full 90 minutes again in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Toulouse.

The 22-year-old has also been among Lorient's standout performers, earning an average FotMob rating of 7.46 across his four appearances.

His consistent club form has convinced Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz to bring him back into the national team squad for Ghana's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Adjei's last appearance for the Black Stars came in a friendly against Mexico in the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The defender made his senior Ghana debut on 18 November 2024 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium. He started the match before being substituted after 40 minutes as Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat.

Ghana begin their Group C campaign with a difficult away trip to face reigning African champions Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

The Black Stars will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September before concluding the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.