Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has revealed that he is actively working behind the scenes to persuade defender Samba O’Neil to pledge his international future to Ghana.
O’Neil, who hails from Congo-Brazzaville, has never featured for the Congolese national team, and Zito believes this opens a window of opportunity for the Black Stars. The Kotoko boss, beaming after his side edged Young Apostles 2–1 at the Baba Yara Stadium thanks to a late penalty from his captain, didn’t hide his admiration for the defender
“Samba O’Neil is exceptional, and I have started trying to convince him to switch nationality to Ghana, then we can figure out the next step,” Zito said.
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The centre-back arrived in Ghana in 2024 after completing a move from Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso, and has quickly grown into an important piece of Kotoko’s setup.
FIFA regulations allow players to represent a nation if they meet specific criteria, including birthplace, family lineage, or sustained residency, typically five years. Eligibility can also be established through having a parent or grandparent from the country, or through marriage to a citizen.
For now, Zito appears eager to ensure Ghana takes advantage of every available pathway to secure one of his most trusted defenders.
