Togo football legend Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed that he played a decisive role in Marvin Senaya’s decision to represent Ghana instead of Togo at international level.

Adebayor said he personally advised the 25-year-old Auxerre defender to choose the Black Stars after Ghana and Togo both invited him in March 2026.

Senaya, who has a Ghanaian mother and a Togolese father, was eligible to represent either country. With Ghana already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Adebayor urged him to seize what he described as a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I was the one that made the decision for him actually,” Adebayor said in an interview on Monday. “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, who described himself as Senaya’s “great godfather”, said his own experience at international level influenced the advice he gave the young defender.

The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid striker represented Togo at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the only edition of the tournament he played during his career.

“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,” Adebayor explained.

“So I told him this is the only chance you have. It’s not like you are going to play the qualifiers, the country has already qualified, so you don't have a choice. This can be your major tournament in your lifetime.”

Senaya Makes Ghana World Cup Debut

Senaya ultimately chose Ghana and featured prominently at the 2026 World Cup.

The Auxerre defender started for Carlos Queiroz's side and played in all four of Ghana's matches at the tournament, including games against Panama, England, Croatia and Colombia.

His performances earned praise from Ghanaian supporters, particularly for his defensive work.

However, Senaya's tournament ended prematurely when he suffered a right-leg injury during Ghana's Round of 32 defeat to Colombia on July 3 in Kansas City.

Adebayor said he was delighted to see the defender make his World Cup opportunity count.

“I was happy for him. Ghanaians were proud of him,” he said.

Senaya is now recovering from the injury and has been undergoing gym work as he targets a return to action for Auxerre.

Adebayor Has No Regrets

Despite being a Togo icon, Adebayor said he has no regrets about encouraging Senaya to represent Ghana.

The former striker won 65 caps for Togo and scored 32 goals, but acknowledged that the immediate opportunity to play at the World Cup was a major factor in his advice.

Togo did not qualify for the 2026 tournament, while Ghana secured their place in the competition.

Senaya is expected to miss Ghana's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Ivory Coast on September 24 because of his injury.