Omanghana
The Ghana Football Association has acknowledged that Iñaki Williams’ goal return for the Black Stars fell below expectations but says it would have preferred the Athletic Club forward to continue representing the country.
Williams recently ended his four-year international career after scoring two goals in 28 appearances for Ghana. He switched his international allegiance from Spain in 2022 and joined the Black Stars ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum admitted that the striker’s statistics did not reflect the impact many supporters expected him to make when he committed his international future to Ghana.
“I admit that his numbers have not been good for the Black Stars, but we would have loved to keep him in the Black Stars,” Asante Twum told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
Despite his limited goal return, Williams remained a valued member of the national team and represented Ghana at two World Cups and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His pace, experience and work rate provided different attacking options for the Black Stars.
Asante Twum dismissed suggestions that the forward’s retirement resulted from disagreements or unhappiness within the national team.
He explained that Williams decided to step away from international football to concentrate fully on his club career with Athletic Club, where he serves as captain.
“Inaki Williams spoke to the coach and the GFA president to explain his decision to retire from national team duties. His reason was to concentrate on club duties,” he stated.
According to the GFA spokesperson, Williams discussed his plans with Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz and association president Kurt Okraku before publicly announcing his decision.
Asante Twum added that the player had not shown any signs of dissatisfaction during his four years with the national team. The GFA leadership accepted his explanation and gave him the opportunity to announce his retirement.
Williams, who was born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents, previously made one senior appearance for Spain before changing his international allegiance. He later described representing Ghana as an opportunity to reconnect with his roots and experience the pride of wearing the national colours.
His departure leaves the Black Stars without one of their most experienced attacking players as they prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Ghana will now have to develop a new attacking structure and identify players capable of filling the space created by his retirement. The four-time African champions are seeking a return to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition in Morocco.
Source: Omanghana
