Semenyo (L) and Nketiah (R) shared a warm hug after the game
When the Premier League resumed after the international break on Saturday, October 18, 2025, few expected a simple post-match photo to dominate Ghanaian football discussions.
But after Bournemouth’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace, the image of Antoine Semenyo and Eddie Nketiah sharing a warm embrace quickly became more than just a friendly moment between two strikers.
Semenyo, a key member of Ghana’s World Cup-bound squad, and Nketiah, who has long flirted with the idea of representing the Black Stars, stood together smiling at full-time, a gesture that stirred divided emotions back home.
For many Ghanaians, the picture carried a deeper story about pride, timing, and belonging.
Nketiah, born and raised in England, once turned down Ghana’s advances, choosing instead to represent the Three Lions at youth and senior level.
Saddick Adams reveals why Eddie Nketiah refused to play for Ghana in 2019
But with his England opportunities drying up and Ghana securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, reports suggest he’s now open to switching allegiance, a decision that hasn’t sat well with parts of the Ghanaian fanbase.
To them, his renewed interest feels too convenient, and a move driven not by passion but by opportunity.
Others, however, argue that every player deserves the right to decide where their hearts truly lie, even if that realisation comes late.
Still, the symbolism was striking. One of the men in that photo, Antoine Semenyo, will proudly wear Ghana’s colours on football’s biggest stage in 2026.
The other, Eddie Nketiah, may be left watching from home, or maybe not.
Read some of the reactions below:
3nfa chairman, AZZZ LICKERS ghana sports journalist
— Kumerica Mr Otua 💰 (@PrimeSuspect110) October 18, 2025
Masa u better stop this unnecessary PR u are doing na amfa
— Fred (@Oduro_fredo) October 18, 2025
Boy make you nor try na them nor go call you😂😂👍🏿
— RastaMan (@thelocdhairguy) October 18, 2025
Nothing go happen. Stop this nonsense
— Mensah Isaac (@fbwrcbkqq5) October 18, 2025
He said “ your heart is with England so go after your heart”
— YESU BA (@UccTaylorswift) October 18, 2025
He said“bro,No Contribution,No Chop”
— Desmond Appiagyei🇺🇸 (@desmond329811) October 19, 2025
“We going to the World Cup together menua”
— Backyard🇬🇭 (@backyard_dj) October 18, 2025
FKA/AE
