Togo coach Neveu breaks silence on Marvin Senaya tug-of-war with Ghana

Togo head coach Patrice Neveu has spoken publicly for the first time on the growing international tug-of-war between Ghana and Togo over defender Marvin Senaya, insisting the player has already given a positive response to represent his side.

The AJ Auxerre right-back has found himself at the centre of a cross-border selection battle after being named in both Togo’s squad and Ghana’s Black Stars squad for the March international window.

Addressing the situation, Neveu sought to clarify his position, revealing that he had already made contact with the player.

“Senaya was contacted, and I received his response. It was positive regarding Togo,” the French coach said.

However, he stopped short of declaring the matter settled, suggesting the final decision will depend on whether the player reports to camp.

“If he’s not there for the training camp, we’ll draw conclusions. What I mean is that he gave his agreement, and an agreement is verbal. I don’t want to get into any arguments. I’m waiting, and that’s when I’ll draw conclusions,” Neveu added.

Dual call-ups spark controversy

The controversy began when Ghana coach Otto Addo named Senaya in his 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Austria and Germany, a decision that immediately drew attention given the player’s prior inclusion in Togo’s setup.

Togo had initially listed Senaya for their own matches against Guinea and Niger, appearing to have secured an early advantage in the race for his international allegiance.

But Ghana’s late move to include the defender has reignited uncertainty, with both nations now waiting for the player’s final decision.

The situation highlights the increasingly common challenge faced by African national teams competing for dual-eligible players, particularly those born and developed in Europe.

A player in demand

Senaya, who plays for French side Auxerre, is viewed as a modern full-back capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.

Known for his pace, work rate and defensive awareness, the 23-year-old has impressed with his tackling, interceptions and overlapping runs, while also ranking highly in aerial duels and clearances.

His profile makes him an attractive option for Ghana, who have struggled to find a consistent right-back since the retirements of John Paintsil and Samuel Inkoom.

With Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey frequently sidelined through injury, the Black Stars are keen to strengthen that position ahead of crucial international fixtures, including World Cup qualifiers.

Eligibility and background

Born in France, Senaya qualifies to represent multiple countries. He is the son of former Togolese international Yao Mawuko Senaya, which makes him eligible for Togo, while reports indicate he also has Ghanaian roots.

This dual eligibility has placed him at the centre of a high-profile international decision, with both federations eager to secure his commitment.

For Ghana, the situation is not unfamiliar. Coach Otto Addo has previously dealt with similar nationality dilemmas, including the case of Mohamed Diomande, who was called up but ultimately opted against representing the Black Stars.

Waiting game

Despite the growing speculation, Neveu has made it clear that he will not be drawn into a public dispute over the player.

Instead, the Togo coach is adopting a wait-and-see approach, with the player’s attendance at the upcoming training camp expected to provide the final answer.

“The coach is therefore still waiting,” a source close to the situation indicated, with the player’s presence or absence set to “definitively resolve a saga that continues to fuel debate in Togo and Ghana”.

For now, Senaya remains eligible for both nations, but FIFA regulations mean that once he makes a competitive senior appearance, his international future will be locked in.

Until then, the uncertainty continues — with two West African rivals watching closely as one of the region’s most intriguing eligibility battles edges towards a conclusion.