Togo football legend Emmanuel Adebayor has disclosed that he played a major role in convincing Marvin Senaya to represent Ghana at international level instead of choosing Togo.
Senaya, who was eligible to play for both Ghana and Togo because of his family background, received invitations from both countries in March 2026 before eventually deciding to commit his international future to the Black Stars.
The 25-year-old defender subsequently became part of Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and featured in all four of the Black Stars’ matches at the tournament.
Adebayor, who has previously played for clubs including Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid, said he encouraged Senaya to choose Ghana because he believed the defender could benefit from representing the country on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking to 3Sports, the former Togo captain explained that he spoke directly to Senaya and urged him not to turn down the opportunity to represent Ghana at the World Cup.
According to Adebayor, he believed the tournament could represent a major opportunity in Senaya’s career and therefore advised him to make the most of the chance.
Adebayor said he was particularly pleased with Senaya’s eventual decision and his contribution to the Black Stars during the tournament.
The defender’s involvement in all four matches demonstrated the confidence placed in him by Ghana’s technical team during the World Cup campaign.
Senaya’s decision also meant that Ghana secured the services of a defender who could potentially become an important part of the national team’s future.
His international journey, however, has since been interrupted by injury.
The Auxerre defender suffered an injury during Ghana’s Round of 32 defeat to Colombia at the Kansas City Stadium on July 3.
He has subsequently been undergoing rehabilitation as he works towards a return to full fitness.
Senaya has been seen undertaking gym-based training as part of his recovery programme, with particular attention being paid to his right leg.
While he is making progress, his current fitness situation means he has not been able to join Ghana’s squad for the latest international assignment.
The Black Stars have already opened camp in Accra under head coach Carlos Queiroz as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ghana will begin the qualifying campaign with a difficult away encounter against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24.
The Black Stars will then return to Ghana to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
The team will round off the international window with a friendly against Morocco in Tangier on October 4.
Senaya’s absence means Ghana will have to rely on other defensive options during the upcoming fixtures, while the technical team continues to monitor his recovery.
His story nevertheless remains significant because it highlights the role that influential football figures can play when players with dual-nationality options are deciding which country to represent.
Adebayor, despite being one of Togo’s most prominent footballers, encouraged Senaya to take the opportunity to represent Ghana when the defender was considering his international future.
For Ghana, Senaya’s eventual decision has already produced a return at major tournament level, with the defender featuring throughout the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.
The next objective will be to ensure that he returns to full fitness and is once again available for national-team selection.
With Ghana entering another important phase of international football, Senaya’s continued development and recovery could provide another defensive option for Queiroz in future assignments.
