Legendary Togolese footballer Emmanuel Adebayor has disclosed that he played a key role in defender Marvin Senaya’s decision to play for the Black Stars.

According to him, a Togolese friend of his took care of Senaya during his time in the country, including supporting his education and helping him travel abroad to continue his football career.

He indicated that he got to know Senaya through the friend.

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“I was part of the decision. I was not part; I was the one who decided for him, actually. Because he's very close to one of my boys, whom I obviously call my son today.

“He's the one person that I helped in Togo, took him to Europe, and paid all his school fees. And that person became his godfather. So obviously, when Marvin needed anything, he would always go through that boy to contact me,” he said in an interview with TV3.

The former Real Madrid forward further disclosed that when the time came for Senaya to choose between Ghana and Togo, he advised him to opt for the Black Stars, as he would get the opportunity to play in his first major international tournament at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He cautioned that Senaya might not get such an opportunity again in his career and urged him to take advantage of it, particularly as Togo rarely features in major international competitions.

“And when the decision came, I told him, my friend, there is no other choice. Even though we can talk about my career, we can talk about everything I have done or achieved in football, I had a chance to play only once in the World Cup. 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 I think you don't have a choice. You have to go because this can be your major tournament in your lifetime. Maybe you are still young. Maybe you have a chance to play maybe two or three more. Maybe this will be the last; you never know,” he disclosed in an interview with TV3.

He further added: “So I was happy for him, and I'm very close to him. I'm like his great godfather. So, you know, he always listens to my advice. He takes it seriously, and I'm very happy for him. The World Cup, we all saw what happened. He tried and managed to do his best, and I think Ghanaians were proud of him.”

Adebayor referenced his own career, noting that he had expected to feature in more World Cup tournaments after making his debut at the 2006 tournament but never got the opportunity again.

“The same way we played in 2006, and we thought, like, okay, no matter what. I was then, I think, 19 or 20. I was telling myself, by the time I get to 30, 32, I'll have another chance at least. Trust me, that chance never came back again,” he added.

Watch the video below:

“I told him there is no other choice.”

Emmanuel Adebayor says he made the decision for Marvin Senaya to choose Ghana over Togo.#3Sports #SportsStation pic.twitter.com/dO489KpOXh

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) September 22, 2026