Ghanaian midfielder Samuel Mawuena Gidi has officially begun the process of acquiring Slovak citizenship as he looks to switch international allegiance and represent the European nation.
According to the Slovak Football Association (SFZ), Gidi’s application is now being processed by the relevant authorities after sending a statement in support of the player’s application.
“An official request has been submitted regarding Samuel Gidi’s citizenship. It’s currently under review, and we’re waiting for a final decision,” said Zilina’s media officer Martin Kollar.
Gidi, who plays for MSK Zilina, would be eligible for this summer’s Euro Under-21 tournament, which Slovakia will host.
Slovakia Under-21 head coach Jaroslav Kentos is already a fan of the 20-year-old.
“He’s got the quality for us to monitor him,” Kentos said. “If he proves himself to be among the best, he’ll go to the Euros. If not, he won’t. The competition is fierce.”
If selected, Gidi would join a short list of naturalised players to have represented Slovakia, including Karim Guede and Vernon De Marco.
Gidi moved to Slovakia in 2022 from Zilina Africa and has and an impressive three-season campaign.
He has made 88 appearances in the Slovak top flight, scoring six goals.
Last December, the CIES Football Observatory named him one of the most talented Under-21 players in world football.
