Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, a Dutch-born Ghanaian goalkeeper, has stated that he is not prioritizing representing Ghana’s national team at this moment. He is currently focused on helping the Netherlands U21 team qualify for the European Championship, while also reflecting on his admiration for notable Ghanaian players.
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, the 20-year-old goalkeeper for AZ Alkmaar, recently clarified that he is not currently considering representing Ghana in international football. Born in the Netherlands to a Ghanaian father, he remains eligible to play for the Black Stars. However, he emphasizes that his immediate focus is on his role within the Netherlands U21 team, aiming to qualify for the European Championship.
On March 13, 2025, Owusu-Oduro played as the goalkeeper in a challenging Round of 16 match against Tottenham Hotspur, where his team suffered a 3-1 defeat, resulting in their elimination from the competition. Following the match, he participated in an interview with Ghanaian journalist Rahman Osman, during which he discussed his football aspirations and priorities.
During the interview, Owusu-Oduro stated, “Not now. I have to focus on playing with the U21 (Netherlands) so we can qualify for the European Championship. My focus is here. I see it as a possibility in the future, but it’s not my priority.” He also shared his admiration for notable Ghanaian players including the Ayew brothers and legendary striker Asamoah Gyan, reflecting on how he watched them play with his father.
This season, Owusu-Oduro has made 19 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie and has successfully kept two clean sheets in his last five outings. His performance continues to garner attention, but his priorities remain rooted in his current commitments with the Dutch U21 squad.
In summary, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, while eligible to represent Ghana, is currently focused on his responsibilities with the Netherlands U21 team. His recent performance with AZ Alkmaar, although challenging, showcases his potential as a goalkeeper. He holds great respect for Ghanaian footballers, yet prioritizes his development and aspirations in European competitions at this time.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
