In a remarkable discovery during bilateral meetings between Ghanaian and Kyrgyz officials, Ghanaian footballer Joel Kojo has been revealed as the star striker of the Kyrgyz national team, famously known as the White Falcons.

The revelation came as President Sadyr Japarov and Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev both named Joel Kojo as their favorite footballer and hailed him as a national hero.

Joel, originally from Juapong in North Tongu, Ghana, reportedly switched nationality to represent Kyrgyzstan, where he has become a pivotal figure in the team’s success.

In 2025, Joel was awarded Kyrgyzstan’s Best Player and currently holds the record as the nation’s all-time leading scorer. He played a critical role in securing Kyrgyzstan’s qualification for the Asian Cup, earning widespread recognition across the country.

Another Ghanaian talent, Emmanuel Yaghr, is also making waves in Kyrgyzstan, competing in the local league.

Following the bilateral discussions, the Ghanaian Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, met both players in a specially arranged session facilitated by the Kyrgyz Football Association, where he received a customised national team jersey as a gesture of goodwill.

The visit has strengthened ties between Ghana and Kyrgyzstan, with both nations agreeing to pursue bilateral cooperation in football development. The presence and achievements of these young Ghanaian players highlight the growing influence of the Ghanaian community in Kyrgyzstan.