Ukraine-based defender Samuel Inkoom will captain Ghana's Under-23 team in Saturday's All-Africa Games qualifier against Nigeria.
The FC Dnipro right-back was chosen ahead of 2009 Fifa Under-20 World Cup winning mates Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu and goalkeeper Daniel Agyei.
Agyeman-Badu, who plays for Italian side Udinese, was tipped to lead the team in the absence of Andre Ayew.
Head coach Akwasi Appiah extolled the qualities of the former Asante Kotoko player.
"I think it is very important to have leader who works hard for his colleagues and Samuel Inkoom represents that player," Appiah said.