Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has said that he hopes Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo can replicate his club form for the Black Stars as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
Antoine Semenyo is arguably enjoying the best spell of his career after sealing a high-profile £65 million move from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City in January 2026.
As of early February, the forward has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, underlining his growing reputation in English football.
Despite his club success, Vanderpuye believes the striker still has more to prove in national colours.
Since making his Ghana debut in 2022, Semenyo has featured at the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFCON, earning 32 caps and scoring three goals.
Speaking to Citi Sports on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Vanderpuye said Ghanaians are eager to see the same sharpness and consistency from the attacker when he represents the national team.
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… up to now he’s not been able to convince Ghanaians so much about his prolific performance when it comes to the Black Stars.
He added that Semenyo’s English background could serve as extra motivation, especially in high-profile matches.
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.
With the World Cup drawing closer, attention is steadily turning to Semenyo and his Black Stars teammates as Ghana looks to make a strong impression on the global stage.
