Kofi Dankwa says he hopes Ghanaians understand and accept his decision to play for Niger against the Black Stars at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 23-year-old, who plays for Tunisian side Zarzis, was named in a 26-man provisional squad for the tournament in South Africa.

If he makes the Menas final squad for Africa’s flagship football competition, Dankwa will come up against Ghana – the country of his parents.

Dankwa, who was born and raised in Dansoman, a suburb of Accra says the prospect of playing against his country of birth is not personal but purely business.

“A game is a game but I have never turned my back on you people,” he said.

“But my work comes first and I hope you people respect that.”

Niger will move to camp on December 27 and will play fellow 2013 Nations Cup finalists Ethiopia in a warm up game.

The Menas will not play the Black Stars until the final game of Group B on January 28 in Port Elizabeth haven played Mali and DR Congo in their opening group games.