Blackburn Rovers striker Dapo Afolayan has expressed his desire to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria at senior international level. The 29-year-old was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents and remains eligible to play for Nigeria. Afolayan has represented England C once, but the non-FIFA-affiliated side does not tie him to the Three Lions at senior international level, leaving the door open for a potential Super Eagles call-up.
The versatile forward hopes to get the opportunity to represent Nigeria before the end of his career, having previously come close to receiving a call-up. “I would love to play for Nigeria. It’s always been something I wanted to do since I was a kid. I have been really close, and timing has been unfortunate in a few cases,” Afolayan told Blackburn Rovers’ official website.
“I was doing well in the Bundesliga, and I was very close to a call-up, and then I stopped playing before the March international break. I ended up not going. It’s just one of those things that has not come to pass.” Afolayan joined Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers from German club FC St. Pauli in January 2026.
The forward has made an impressive start to life at Ewood Park, scoring three goals and providing two assists in eight league appearances this season. His current form could strengthen his case for another look from the Nigerian national team, with Afolayan determined to finally realise his long-standing ambition of playing for the Super Eagles.