Former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed that he played a key role in convincing young defender Marvin Senaya to choose Ghana over Togo at international level.
Adebayor, who described himself as a close friend and “great godfather” to Senaya, made the revelation during an appearance on TV3’s Sports Station on Monday.
Senaya, who was eligible to represent either Ghana or Togo, eventually committed his international future to the Black Stars.
According to Adebayor, a conversation between the two played an important role in Senaya’s decision, with the former Arsenal forward urging the defender to seize the opportunity to represent Ghana at the World Cup.
‘This is the only chance you have’
Adebayor said his own experience of playing at only one World Cup influenced the advice he gave Senaya.
“I was the one that made the decision for him actually, because he’s very close to one of my boys that obviously I call him my son today.”
He explained that he encouraged Senaya not to overlook the opportunity, particularly because Ghana had already secured qualification for the tournament.
“Even though we can talk about career, we can talk about everything that I have done or achieved in football, I have a chance to play only once in the World Cup. So I told him this is the only chance you have.”
Adebayor stressed that major international tournaments are not guaranteed for footballers and that Senaya could not know how many more opportunities he would get to play at the World Cup.
“It’s not like you are going to play the qualifiers, the country has already qualified, so I think you don’t have a choice, you have to go, because this can be your major tournament in your lifetime.”
Senaya made Ghana debut against Austria
Senaya ultimately followed the advice and made his Ghana debut against Austria.
Although the Black Stars suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat, Senaya was among Ghana’s brighter performers and his individual display earned him further recognition.
His performance subsequently helped him secure a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, where he continued to make an impression.
However, his tournament was cut short by injury during Ghana’s Round of 32 clash against Colombia.
The timing of the injury proved particularly unfortunate, with Ghana conceding shortly after Senaya was substituted.
Adebayor proud of Senaya
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the tournament, Adebayor said he remained proud of Senaya and the decision he made to represent Ghana.
“Maybe you are still young, maybe you have a chance to play maybe two, three more, maybe this will still be the last, you never know. I was happy for him and I’m very close to him, I’m like his great godfather so we, he always listens to my advice, he takes it seriously and I’m very happy for him.”
Adebayor also praised the way Senaya handled his first major international tournament, saying the young defender had every reason to be proud of his contribution despite Ghana’s disappointing campaign.
“The World Cup, we all saw what happened, yes he tried and managed to do his best and I think Ghanaians were proud of him and me as a very good friend of him I’m also proud of him to be honest.”
Senaya has since made six appearances for Ghana, including four at the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant early chapter in his international career.
