Blackburn Rovers forward Dapo Afolayan has reaffirmed his ambition to represent Nigeria at senior international level, expressing hope that he will receive an opportunity to play for the Super Eagles before the end of his professional football career.

The 29-year-old attacker, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, has enjoyed an encouraging start to the 2026/2027 season with the English Championship club. His recent performances have renewed attention on his long-standing ambition to represent Nigeria internationally.

Afolayan previously came close to receiving a Super Eagles invitation during his time with German club FC St. Pauli. However, he explained that unfortunate timing and a decline in playing opportunities prevented the proposed call-up from materialising.

Speaking to Blackburn Rovers’ official media platform, the forward reiterated that representing Nigeria has been a childhood ambition.

“I’d love to play for Nigeria. It’s always been something I wanted to do since I was a kid. I’ve been really close and timing has been unfortunate in a few cases,” Afolayan said.

He explained that his performances in Germany had brought him close to a possible international invitation before his playing time reduced ahead of an international break.

“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,” he added.

Afolayan’s Strong Start at Blackburn Rovers

Afolayan joined Blackburn Rovers from German Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli in January 2026, returning to English football after spending three years with the German side.

His arrival at Ewood Park has provided an opportunity to rebuild momentum and demonstrate his attacking qualities in the English Championship.

The forward has made an encouraging contribution during the opening stages of the 2026/2027 campaign, recording three goals and two assists in eight league appearances, according to reports published on October 8, 2026.

His performances have also earned him a nomination for the Championship Player of the Month award for September.

Afolayan’s versatility allows him to operate in different attacking positions, giving Blackburn additional options in the final third. His ability to contribute both goals and assists has strengthened his case for consideration by Nigeria’s national team selectors.

The forward will hope to maintain his form as the season progresses, although a strong club campaign does not automatically guarantee an international call-up.

Nigerian Eligibility Despite Previous England Appearance

Although Afolayan was born in England and has previously represented England at non-senior international level, he remains eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level.

His background has given him the option of pursuing an international career connected to his Nigerian heritage, and he has repeatedly expressed his preference for the Super Eagles.

Afolayan’s situation highlights the opportunities available to players with dual national backgrounds who have not become permanently tied to a senior national team under the applicable international eligibility rules.

The forward’s previous appearance for England’s C team does not, by itself, prevent him from representing Nigeria at senior international level.

His decision to pursue a Super Eagles opportunity reflects an ambition he says has remained important to him since childhood.

Previous Connection with the Super Eagles

Afolayan has previously demonstrated his interest in the Nigerian national team. During the 2025 Unity Cup in London, he visited the Super Eagles’ team hotel and met members of the squad and coaching staff.

The visit offered an opportunity to strengthen his connection with the national team environment, although it did not result in an international call-up.

His renewed comments come as he seeks to establish himself further at Blackburn Rovers and attract the attention of Nigeria’s coaching staff.

For the Super Eagles, Afolayan could represent another attacking option if his performances continue to meet the requirements of the national team selectors. His versatility and experience in English and German football could be relevant to any future assessment.

However, his immediate objective remains maintaining his form at club level while waiting for an opportunity to represent Nigeria.

Afolayan’s declaration has once again placed his international ambitions in the spotlight. Whether he receives a call-up will depend on his performances, the national team’s needs and the decisions of the Super Eagles coaching staff.