Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has expressed hope that Antoine Semenyo's English roots will serve as a powerful motivator for the Ghana forward when the Black Stars face England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Vanderpuye focused on the unique narrative surrounding Semenyo, who was born in England but represents Ghana. The former minister believes this personal connection could elevate his performance in the highly anticipated group stage match.
"You know he was born in England, and I think it is good… that is enough motivation for him to perform better when he plays the English," Vanderpuye stated.
His comments come as Semenyo enjoys a spectacular season at Manchester City, where his £65 million move has been vindicated with 12 Premier League goals and a string of influential performances. Despite this club success, Vanderpuye noted that the 26-year-old has yet to fully replicate that form for the national team, where he has scored three goals in 32 caps.
Vanderpuye's broader message was a plea for the striker to bridge this gap. "He’s playing wonderfully well. I would just pray that he’s able to transfer whatever he’s doing with Manchester City to the Black Stars," he said, acknowledging the high expectations from Ghanaian fans as the World Cup draws closer.
With Ghana drawn in a tough Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, the nation is looking to Semenyo to lead the attack. Vanderpuye's remarks frame the England match not just as a sporting contest, but as a personal proving ground where Semenyo's dual heritage could unlock his best performance for the Black Stars on the global stage.
Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS