Ghanaian-born striker, Diabeyas Owusu eyed for China national team
Diabeyas Owusu, a 25-year-old striker for Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League, is drawing growing attention from Chinese media calling for his naturalisation. His recent performances have sparked discussions about his potential role in strengthening the Chinese national team’s attack.
Owusu’s momentum has been hard to ignore. He scored in Zhejiang’s 2-2 draw against Shandong Taishan on January 19 and has registered three goals and seven assists in 27 league matches this season. Not only does he lead his team in assists, but he also ranks among the top creators in the entire league.
Chinese outlet Sohu reported on January 20 that Owusu’s sharp form, three goals in four matches, has made him a standout figure in Zhejiang’s offence. The outlet proposed that, if naturalized, he could form a dynamic partnership with forward Wang Weidong for the Chinese national team.
Sohu praised Owusu’s efficiency, noting, “Even with limited playing time, he always makes an impact. He not only scores but also delivers decisive passes.”
The report also highlighted his solid chemistry with emerging Chinese talents such as Wang Weidong, Liu Haofan, Wang Sicheng, and Zhang Aihui, suggesting his inclusion could boost team synergy.
Owusu’s path to potential naturalisation appears feasible. He has spent four seasons in China, featuring in 105 matches, and holds dual citizenship with Ghana and the Netherlands. Since he has never represented a senior national team, he fulfils FIFA’s eligibility rules that allow players to represent a new country after five years of continuous residence.
Having joined Changzhou Mighty Lions in 2022 before transferring to Zhejiang in early 2024, Owusu is nearing that five-year mark. Sohu indicated that his naturalisation may be only a matter of time, emphasizing both club and national advantages.
Zhejiang would gain a valuable domestic player and open a foreign-player slot, while the national team would secure an in-form attacking threat.
Describing him as “a young and efficient offensive asset,” Sohu concluded that Owusu’s naturalisation could “inject fresh vitality into Chinese football and serve as an important piece in the national team’s pursuit of the 2030 World Cup.”
Written by Oral Ofori
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
