The mother of Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has revealed the emotional journey behind the Bournemouth forward’s decision to play for the Black Stars.
Speaking during a Ghana Football Association event in the United Kingdom focused on talent identification among players in the diaspora, Dela Dzebu reflected on the difficult choices many dual-nationality footballers face while growing up abroad.
According to her, keeping children connected to their Ghanaian roots requires patience, sacrifice and constant encouragement from parents.
“The emotional journey is difficult, but you don’t stop. It’s been resilient. Knowing that being in the diaspora and knowing what happens on the streets around us — trust me, it’s hard,” she said.
Dzebu explained that football means much more to Ghanaians than simply playing the game, insisting representing Ghana carries pride, identity and legacy.
“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,” she added.
Semenyo eventually committed his international future to Ghana and has grown into an important member of the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.