Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has thrown his support to Felix Afena-Gyan to showcase himself after being handed a call-up to the national team.

Afena-Gyan, 22, returns to the national team three years after temporarily stepping away from international duty.

The forward burst onto the scene in 2021 when he came off the bench to score a sensational brace for AS Roma against Genoa in Serie A.

Despite earning a subsequent call-up to the Black Stars later that year, he turned down his invitation and was later overlooked for the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad after helping in the qualifiers.

Currently on loan at Juventus Next Gen from Cremonese, the forward has found form and focus and has scored six goals in 30 appearances for the Serie C side.

Speaking to the media before the games, Addo said Afena-Gyan deserves another chance despite his struggles.

“There are a lot of young players, and he’s also young. He did well, and that’s why we want to give him another chance; he’s still young," he said.

"His career hasn’t been like he expected it to be, but this is normal in football. Sometimes you have ups and sometimes you have downs, and for him, it’s another opportunity for him to show himself," he added.

Afena-Gyan is expected to join the Black Stars in London today as the team prepares to face rivals Nigeria on Wednesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The winner will advance to face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in the final on Saturday, May 31.