The mother of Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has revealed the emotional conversation that influenced her son’s decision to represent Ghana instead of England at international level.
Speaking about the moment Semenyo sought her advice, Dela Dzebu admitted she immediately encouraged him to choose Ghana, even though she initially struggled to explain why.
“I said you have to play for Ghana,” she recalled.
According to her, the Manchester City forward questioned the reasoning behind her passionate response.
“He asked why. Then I didn’t have any words. I was like, ‘Oh God, in Ghana nothing works.’ He said, ‘If nothing works, why do I have to play for Ghana?’”
Despite the difficult realities she acknowledged about the country, Dzebu said the deeper emotional and cultural connection to Ghana ultimately became the defining factor in the conversation.
“You would feel proud to be part of the Ghanaian journey,” she explained. “Football in the UK, for me, is about the boots. Football in Ghana is about blood; it’s about pride, it’s about legacy, it’s about your roots.”
Semenyo, who was eligible to represent both England and Ghana, eventually committed his international future to the Ghana national football team and has since become an important figure for the Black Stars.
The striker’s decision continues to resonate strongly among Ghanaian supporters, with many viewing his choice as a reflection of the emotional bond many dual-nationality players maintain with their heritage and family roots.
