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Former Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Togo international star Emmanuel Adebayor has opened up about his direct influence in convincing defender Marvin Senaya to represent Ghana instead of Togo on the international stage.

The 25-year-old Auxerre right-back, born in France with both Ghanaian and Togolese heritage, received simultaneous national team calls from Ghana and Togo in early 2026. Faced with a career-defining decision, Senaya turned to Adebayor, who acts as a close godfather and trusted mentor to the young defender.

The World Cup Stage Made the Difference

In a candid interview on 3Sports, Adebayor explained that Ghana’s secured spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup made the decision a total no-brainer. He urged the young full-back to seize the opportunity, reminding him that world-class tournament spots are rare and never guaranteed.

Reflecting on his own legendary career, Adebayor shared how he played in just one World Cup for Togo back in 2006, assuming he would get another chance that never came. He used that personal lesson to push Senaya toward wearing the famous white jersey of the Black Stars.

Career Impact at a Glance

Decision Factor Togo Option Ghana Choice
World Cup Status Did not qualify Qualified for 2026 Tournament
Adebayor’s Counsel High risk of missing major stages “Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”
2026 World Cup Role Did not feature Played in all 4 matches
Current Status N/A Recovering ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Solid World Cup Debut and Road to Recovery

Senaya followed the advice and went on to feature in all four matches for Ghana at the 2026 World Cup, proving his quality on the biggest stage. Ghanaians quickly embraced his tireless work rate and solid defensive displays along the right flank.

The defender is currently completing gym rehabilitation for a right leg injury sustained during Ghana’s Round of 32 clash against Colombia. As the Black Stars gear up for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, fans eagerly anticipate Senaya’s return to full action.

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By Emmanuel Bamfo

Emma Bamfo is the Head of the Diaspora Affairs Desk at Ghananewspage.com, where he has worked since 2025. He has over 4 years of Content Writing experience and holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the University of Takoradi. Emma previously served as Head of the Human Interest Desk at Ghananewspage.com and has also worked as a reporter for Trend4Ghana.com and a content writer for Six Agency. He also holds certificates in Advanced Digital Reporting and Fighting Misinformation.

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