'Football in Ghana is about blood and legacy' – Antoine Semenyo's mother urges diaspora parents

Dela Dzebu, the mother of Ghana and Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, has delivered an emotional appeal to diaspora parents, urging them to encourage their children to represent Ghana despite the challenges of navigating dual nationalities.

Speaking at an event, Dzebu opened up about the difficult journey she and her son walked before he chose the Black Stars over England, describing it as a path of resilience, emotion, and hard conversations.

"I don't even have words because it's been a very, very long journey, but it's been amazing as well. I'm here today to tell you parents: it's possible if Antoine did it," she said.

She stressed that the experience of raising a footballer in the diaspora is far from easy. "Trust me, it's hard. If anybody says it's been easy, it's not easy. But it's possible. It is very possible."

Dzebu recalled the pivotal moment when Antoine asked her whether he should play for England or Ghana.

"I said you have to play for Ghana. 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?' "

Her response came from the heart. "You would feel proud to be part of the Ghanaian journey. 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 described the indescribable joy of seeing Antoine wear the Black Stars jersey for the first time. "As a parent, what you feel when he wears his jersey for the first time and the crowd is roaring — you cannot put it in words. It's amazing."

Dzebu acknowledged the internal conflict many diaspora children face. "The kids we raise here are conflicted because there are two nationalities, different cultures. As a parent, you don't want to come across as pushy. But you need to encourage them. They don't see that side — the pride, the roots, where you come from."

She ended with a direct plea to other parents and players. "Listen, you will never regret it. It's amazing on a very grand scale."

Dzebu's words have since resonated widely, adding a powerful voice to the conversation about diaspora talent and national pride.