Belgian player Onana faces emotional World Cup clash with Senegal

The World Cup match between Belgium and Senegal carries a unique personal significance for Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana, who was born in Dakar and maintains strong ties to the country. Onana revealed before the tournament that he had hoped to avoid facing Senegal, a sentiment rooted in his deep connection to the nation.

"Wolof is my mother tongue; I spoke Wolof before French," Onana stated, highlighting his linguistic and cultural upbringing in Senegal. "My whole family lives in Dakar, except for my mother and siblings who are in Brussels. I go back every year. I go there to recharge. I have many friends on the Senegalese team, I have a deep connection to the country."

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Wolof is my mother tongue; I spoke Wolof before French. My whole family lives in Dakar, except for my mother and siblings who are in Brussels. I go back every year. I go there to recharge. I have many friends on the Senegalese team, I have a deep connection to the country.

Despite his profound ties to Senegal, Onana was never invited to play for the national team. This led him to accept a call-up to represent Belgium internationally. Now, he must set aside his personal feelings as he prepares to compete against the country that holds a significant place in his heart.

The upcoming match is scheduled for Wednesday, where Belgium will face Senegal. This game is part of the crucial Round of 16 matches in the tournament, with other fixtures including England against the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States facing Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Now I have to put aside my lion heart.