West Ham United’s Michail Antonio has arrived in Ghana to support his football academy project, unveiling his plans to elevate Ghanaian football to global prominence.
Antonio, who visited Ghana for the first time on Sunday, was warmly welcomed by West Ham supporters at Kotoka International Airport.
During his stay, he will focus on the Samba Stars Academy, a grassroots initiative designed to offer opportunities to underprivileged aspiring footballers in West Africa.
In a media interview upon his arrival, Antonio, 34, discussed his goal of creating pathways for young Ghanaian players to transition into top-tier football leagues like the Premier League.
He highlighted the abundant talent in Ghana, citing players like Mohammed Kudus, currently playing for West Ham, as a testament to the country’s footballing potential.
“We want to give the boys here the chance to break into the Premier League. We’ve seen the talent, with Mo [Kudus] already at the club, and many others following,” said Antonio.
He emphasized the importance of giving Ghanaian players the opportunity to showcase their skills internationally.
Antonio will visit Bompata in Kumasi to inspect the academy’s progress, meet with young talents, and offer mentorship, especially to those from less privileged backgrounds.
Antonio plans to spend a few days in Ghana before heading to Jamaica for the upcoming international window, where his national team will face the USA in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.
