Bechem United forward Augustine Okrah has explained why he rejected a Black Stars call-up for the Kirin Cup tournament to be held in Japan.
Okrah was earlier included in the 33-man squad released by the technical team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers against Madagascar and the Central African Republic [CAR].
But the in-form winger could not make the bench for the first game against Madagascar and was subsequently dropped from the squad that made the trip to Angola for the second game against CAR.
The ex- Kotoko player has been recalled to join the team who are currently in Japan for a four-nation tournament as they prepare for the Afcon qualifiers and the World Cup to be staged later this year.
However, a report has it that the player has rejected the call, citing sickness as the reason for ignoring the invite.
“After the game against Aduana, my condition was not okay, so I spoke to our club president,” he told Pkays Corner.
“I was feeling dizzy, only to realize doctors were on me. I was off, and I woke up to find out the club doctors were around me,” he added.
“I had a call from [Bechem United General Manager] Lord Zico, but I told him I can’t join the Black Stars because I was not fit.
“I got injured during our game against Aduana Stars. I didn’t want to go and disgrace myself, the reason why I didn’t report for the Black Stars invitation,” Okrah explained.
“I told Lord Zico to inform the management about my fitness and my decision not to join the team,” he added.
Okrah has 14 league goals for Bechem United this season.
Meanwhile, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, who with Okrah missed out on the two qualifiers, has honoured the invitation to the four nations tournament in Japan.