Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, AZ Alkmaar’s goalkeeper, has dismissed suggestions of joining Ghana’s national team. He aims to focus on the Netherlands U21 squad and their European Championship qualification. Despite a recent tough match, he admires notable Ghanaian players like the Ayew brothers and Asamoah Gyan.
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, a Dutch-born goalkeeper of Ghanaian descent, has reiterated that he does not intend to represent the Black Stars at this time. The 20-year-old, eligible to play for Ghana due to his father’s heritage, emphasizes his commitment to competing with the Netherlands U21 team instead.
In a recent match on March 13, 2025, Owusu-Oduro played for AZ Alkmaar against Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16, where he faced challenges, conceding three goals in a 3-1 defeat that eliminated his team from the competition.
During an interview with UK-based journalist Rahman Osman, he 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.”
Owusu-Oduro also expressed admiration for Ghanaian football legends such as the Ayew brothers and Asamoah Gyan, recounting how he watched them play alongside his father. He has made 19 appearances this Eredivisie season, with two clean sheets in his last five games.
In summary, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro is prioritizing his development with the Netherlands U21 national team over immediate participation with Ghana’s national team. His recent performance for AZ Alkmaar highlights his current focus, while maintaining a respect for Ghanaian football icons. His commitment to growth within his current team remains his main objective.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
