Emmanuel Adebayor says he influenced Marvin Senaya’s decision to choose Ghana

Former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed that he played a decisive role in Marvin Senaya’s decision to switch allegiance and represent Ghana at international level.

Senaya, who has both Ghanaian and Togolese heritage, was handed simultaneous call-ups by Ghana and Togo in March 2026, leaving the Auxerre defender with a choice between the two countries.

The 25-year-old eventually opted for Ghana and went on to feature in all four of the Black Stars’ matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Adebayor, who remains one of Togo’s most prominent football figures, said he advised Senaya to choose Ghana because the World Cup represented a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I was the one that made the decision for him actually,” Adebayor told 3Sports.

“I told him there is no other choice. This is the only chance you have [to play for Ghana] because this [World Cup] can be your major tournament in your life.”

Adebayor happy with Senaya’s Ghana debut

Senaya’s decision was ultimately rewarded with a place in Carlos Queiroz’s World Cup squad, where he became part of Ghana’s run to the Round of 32.

Adebayor said he was pleased to see the defender take his advice and make an impact on the international stage with the Black Stars.

“I was happy for him [Senaya]. Ghanaians were proud of him.”

Senaya’s World Cup campaign, however, ended on a difficult note after he sustained an injury during Ghana’s Round of 32 clash against Colombia on July 3 at the Kansas City Stadium.

Senaya steps up injury rehabilitation

The Auxerre defender is now working towards a return, with his rehabilitation showing signs of progress.

Senaya has been spotted undertaking gym work focused on his right leg as he continues his recovery from the injury.

His progress will be closely monitored as Ghana prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this month.

The Black Stars will open their Group F campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24 before returning home to face Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium five days later.

Senaya’s availability for the qualifiers will depend on the progress of his rehabilitation as Ghana look to build on their World Cup campaign.