Blackburn Rovers forward Dapo Afolayan opens up on his international ambitions with the Nigeria national team.
Dapo Afolayan has reignited his ambition to represent the Super Eagles after admitting that he previously came close to earning a senior international call-up for Nigeria.
The London-born forward is currently enjoying a strong start to the 2026/27 Championship season with Blackburn Rovers, where his impressive performances have placed him back into international contention.
Despite representing England at C level in the past, the 29-year-old remains eligible to play for Nigeria through his heritage, according to information published by sports247.
Dapo Afolayan shines in the Championship
The Blackburn Rovers attacker has made a remarkable impact this season, scoring three league goals and providing two assists across eight appearances in the Championship.
His stellar form earned him a well-deserved nomination for the September Championship Player of the Month award, highlighting his consistent displays on the pitch.
Having started all eight of the club's league matches so far, Dapo Afolayan has successfully positioned himself as a key player for his English club.
Previous close call with Nigeria call-up
The Super Eagles dream is not new for the forward, who revealed that representing Nigeria has been a lifelong ambition since he was a child.
While playing in the Bundesliga with St. Pauli, he was very close to receiving an official invitation, but an unfortunate drop in form derailed the opportunity before the international break.
Despite that setback, the experienced attacker has refused to give up on his desire to wear the green and white jersey at senior level.
Hoping to convince Eric Chelle
With his current momentum in the Championship, Dapo Afolayan hopes his ongoing performances will eventually catch the eye of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.
The player acknowledges that consistency will be the key to securing that long-awaited maiden senior call-up for the Nigeria national team.
As the season progresses, the talented forward remains fully focused on club duties while keeping his international aspirations alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dapo Afolayan want to play for Nigeria?
Yes, Dapo Afolayan has stated that representing Nigeria is one of his biggest football ambitions and something he has wanted to do since childhood.
Which club does Dapo Afolayan play for?
Dapo Afolayan currently plays as an attacker for Blackburn Rovers in the English Championship.
Why did Dapo Afolayan miss out on a previous Nigeria call-up?
He was close to receiving an invitation while playing for St. Pauli in the Bundesliga, but his form dropped at an unfortunate time before the international break.
