Black Stars forward Inaki Williams wasted little time announcing his return to Athletic Bilbao from his Africa Cup of Nations exploits with Ghana in Cote D’Ivoire by scoring and registering an assist in Bilbao’s 4-2 win over FC Barcelona.
Williams came off the bench in the 59th minute when the game was tied 2-2 to lead Bilbao to the big win in extra time in the Copa Del Rey quarterfinals.
Inaki scored on his second attempt from the right side after his initial shot attempt came off the inside of the left post but was well positioned to tap in the rebound to put Bilbao ahead.
The 29 year old forward then set up his younger who plays international football for Spain to punch in the fourth goal.
After the win, Inaki Williams was caught on camera saying, “I got back. I got back for a reason”.


Inaki’s performance in the win was more impressive considering he got to Spain from Cote D’Ivoire just 24 hours after Ghana’s elimination from the 2023 AFCON was confirmed. (Click highlihted text to read full story)
In his debut AFCON run, Williams didn’t score or register an assists in three games for the Black Stars and his mistimed back pass led to Egypt’s Omar Marmoush’s equalizer in a 2-2 draw between Egypt and Ghana.
WATCH: Iñaki Williams scored on his return from #AFCON2023 as Athletic Club eliminated FC Barcelona from the Copa del Rey 🇬🇭#CitiSports #BlackStarspic.twitter.com/lKSd1BmpH3
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) January 25, 2024
✊🏿 “I got back for a reason!”
Get in, Iñaki!#AthleticBarça 🏆 #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/HRW6khEH4o
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 24, 2024