Emmanuel Adebayor’s return to the Togo national football team after more than six months absence is a significant development for the squad. Despite the 3-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in the friendly match in Paris, Adebayor’s presence on the field for 45 minutes is likely to be welcomed by supporters in Lomé, the capital of Togo.
Adebayor’s hiatus from the national team since November 2011 left a void, with fans and some voices within the football community calling for his return. His leadership both on and off the field was seen as crucial for the team. The friendly against Burkina Faso provided an opportunity for the former Manchester City striker to rejoin the squad.
While there were considerations for his return in June, Adebayor initially expressed reservations, citing concerns about the organizational conditions within the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) and a perceived lack of ambition from sports authorities. Despite the Sparrowhawks playing three matches that month, including the CAN (African Cup of Nations) and World Cup qualifiers, Adebayor remained on the sidelines.
Now, with Adebayor back in action for Togo, there is optimism for his complete return to the national team. Important upcoming events, such as the final qualifying round for the 2013 CAN and the qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup, await the team. Adebayor’s commitment to both his national team and his club future will be closely watched. At the time of this report, he is under contract with Manchester City, but there are indications that he may need to explore other options, with Tottenham reportedly expressing interest in the player.
