Teenager Abdul Fatawu Isshaku ditched the 2023 AFCON to cement his place at Leicester City, but his sending off against Leicester means the decision now looks silly in hindsight
Leicester City's young talent, Abdul Fatawu, finds himself in a challenging situation after rejecting the call-up to represent Ghana in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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The teenager's decision to prioritise his position with Leicester City over international duty has taken an unexpected turn, which will certainly have the 19-year-old forward rethinking his decision.
Fatawu rejects Ghana call-up
Fatawu's commitment to his club resulted in him turning down the invitation from the Ghana national team, despite being offered the chance to play for the Black Stars in Ivory Coast.
The teenage sensation decided that he was better off fighting for a place in the Leicester team, which is currently leading the race for promotion from England’s Championship as they sit atop the table with 65 points from 27 matches.
Fatawu has been a regular in the Leicester side, playing 23 matches in the league and contributing two goals and seven assists to the team’s cause. He had hoped to demonstrate his quality with Leicester instead of playing at the 2023 AFCON, but his plans appear to have gone up in smoke.
Fatawu receives three-game suspension
Unfortunately for Fatawu, he received a straight red card in Leicester’s first league match since he rejected the AFCON call-up, triggering a suspension that extends for three matches. The timing of the suspension becomes particularly significant as the AFCON final is scheduled for February 11, while Fatawu’s suspension will last until February 10th when Leicester play against Watford.
The suspension adds a layer of complexity to Fatawu's already notable choice, as the young player's decision to prioritise his club commitments over representing his national team comes to the fore, especially considering the unique opportunity and experience that AFCON offers players.
While the teenager may have aimed to secure his place with Leicester City, the consequences of his decision now raise discussions about the potential missed opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage.
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