Ghanaian defender Kojo Peprah Oppong "Surprised" by strong start to life at OGC Nice

Ghanaian youngster Kojo Peprah Oppong has admitted he is “surprised” by how quickly he has broken into the first team at French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, following his move from Swedish outfit IFK Norrköping earlier this summer.

The 21-year-old joined Le Gym for a nominal fee and was initially expected to develop gradually under the guidance of the club’s experienced defenders.

However, apart from making his debut as a substitute in the first leg of Nice’s UEFA Champions League qualifier against SL Benfica in August, Oppong has started every competitive game for the French side this season.

Oppong once again featured in the starting XI during Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash with FC Nantes, even with club captain Dante returning from injury.

Reflecting on his rapid rise, the Ghanaian centre-back admitted he didn’t anticipate such a prominent role so soon.

"I’m surprised,” Oppong said in the mixed zone after the game. "I am taking it step by step. I didn’t expect to play this much in the beginning, but I’m now playing a lot and I expect a lot from myself." As quoted by Get France Football.

The defender also revealed he has been receiving valuable advice from Dante, a veteran figure in French football.

"It was really good to have him back. He helps us young players a lot. I spoke to him after the game and it was good to have some feedback from him.

"He said that it is important to manage the game, to save some energy, and especially when we are leading, not to attack too much as centre-backs. That was really good advice," he added.

Oppong’s emergence has been one of the bright stories of the Ligue 1 season so far, and his development will be closely followed by Ghanaian fans as he continues to establish himself in France.

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