Antoine Semenyo is set to get his first taste of international football with the Bristol City striker to be named this week in Otto Addo’s first Ghana squad for their pivotal World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria.
Semenyo has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Robins after returning to the team in December following a long-standing knee problem dating back to the end of last season which required surgery.
Semenyo has scored six goals in 24 games for City and added eight assists, with the 22-year-old also named January’s Championship Player of the Month as he’s flourished since being moved into a central striker’s role by Nigel Pearson.
Semenyo, who was born in London to a Ghanaian mother and Togolese father, is expected to be named in Addo’s 27-strong party – which will also include former City teammate Jojo Wollcaott – in the next 48 hours and will fly to Africa following City’s Championship clash against West Brom on Saturday.
3News.com claims he will be joined by Roma teenager Felix Afena-Gyan as one of two notable newcomers in the group. The Black Stars take on Nigeria in a two-legged play-off on March 25 and 29, with the winners earning qualification to Qatar 2022.
The prospect of a call-up also further indicates that the small injury Semenyo appeared to suffer in the closing stages of Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to Barnsley isn't serious. In contrast, the Czech Republic have not called up Tomas Kalas due to injury concerns around the centre-back who's missed City's last two games.
The former SGS College student’s sensational form has alerted clubs far and wide with Nottingham Forest having a deadline day bid rejected for the forward with City valuing one of their prime assets in the £20million bracket.
As reported by Bristol Live last month, there are nine known clubs who retain an interest in Semenyo and that number could well grow in the lead up to the summer transfer window, especially if he earns his first cap and makes an impression at international level.
Semenyo’s representative Tony Finnegan revealed that Celtic, having sent scout Gavin Strachan to Ashton Gate, have also undertaken background checks into his client’s character and attitude.
City have opened negotiations with the striker over a new contract, with his present deal expiring in 2023, albeit with the club holding a 12-month option, but there has been no indication as yet an extension will be signed.
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