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 currently being processed by the relevant authorities following the submission of a supporting statement by the association.
“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 MŠK Žilina’s media officer, Martin Kollar.
Gidi, who plays for MŠK Žilina, would be eligible for this summer’s UEFA Under-21 European Championship, which Slovakia is set to host.
Slovakia U-21 head coach Jaroslav Kentoš is already impressed by the 20-year-old.
“He’s got the quality for us to monitor him,” Kentoš 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 who have represented Slovakia, including Karim Guédé and Vernon De Marco.
Gidi moved to Slovakia in 2022 from Žilina Africa and has since enjoyed an impressive three-season campaign.
He has made 88 appearances in the Slovak top flight, scoring six goals.
In December, the CIES Football Observatory named him one of the most talented Under-21 players in world football.
