Chelsea Academy graduate Dapo Afolayan has expressed his ambition to represent the Super Eagles at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite holding a single cap for England. Born in England to Nigerian parents, the 27 year old forward remains eligible to play for both the Three Lions and Nigeria’s national team.
Afolayan’s sole appearance for England came in 2017, playing for the England C team, which features non league players, in a 4-0 defeat to Slovakia U23. Beginning his football journey at Harrow St Mary’s and later joining Chelsea, he left the London club at 14 to focus on his education. Currently, Afolayan plays for German Bundesliga club FC St. Pauli, contributing nine goals in 31 matches last season to help secure their promotion to the top division.
Reflecting on his Chelsea experience, Afolayan expressed gratitude for the exposure to elite players and praised the club’s infrastructure and coaching. “During my time there, we trained alongside some of the best players in world football. The facilities and coaching staff were exceptional, shaping us not only as footballers but as individuals,” he said.
Now focused on earning a spot with the Super Eagles, Afolayan shared his goals. “I want to play international football for Nigeria at the next World Cup. With consistent performances and improvement, I’m confident I can achieve that,” he affirmed.
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The Super Eagles boast a wealth of talented forwards, meaning Afolayan will need to elevate his game to secure a call-up. He has scored twice in 14 appearances for St. Pauli this season.
Editorial
As we look toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the prospect of players like Dapo Afolayan donning the Super Eagles jersey highlights a recurring trend in modern football the global nature of national team selections. It’s no longer unusual for athletes to pivot between nations, reflecting their heritage and aspirations.
Afolayan’s ambition to represent Nigeria offers a compelling narrative. His diverse football background, from Chelsea’s hallowed academy to his current Bundesliga stint, underscores the wealth of talent the diaspora brings to African football. However, it also raises questions about the balance between skill development abroad and contributing to one’s homeland.
For Nigeria, integrating talents like Afolayan could strengthen the Super Eagles, particularly as they prepare to face fierce competition on the world stage. His technical ability and experience in top tier European football may complement an already formidable attacking lineup. Yet, this decision isn’t without challenges. Afolayan must demonstrate consistent excellence, not just flashes of brilliance, to earn his place among the team’s elite.
We believe that welcoming players with dual nationalities can be a powerful strategy for success, provided it aligns with the team’s long-term vision. The inclusion of Afolayan and others like him is a reminder of the complex identities in football today where allegiance, ambition, and opportunity intersect. The Super Eagles have a history of blending local and international talents, and this approach could yield remarkable results once again.
In embracing talents from the diaspora, we also challenge ourselves to continue nurturing homegrown players. Both are essential for Nigeria’s sustained success on the global stage. As fans and stakeholders, we should celebrate the diversity these players bring while holding them to the same high standards expected of any Super Eagle.
Did You Know?
- England C Caps Do Not Bind Players Players capped at the England C level remain eligible to represent other nations, as it does not count as an official FIFA cap.
- FC St. Pauli’s Rich History FC St. Pauli, where Afolayan plays, is known for its passionate fan base and progressive values, promoting inclusivity in football.
- Super Eagles World Cup Appearances Nigeria has participated in six FIFA World Cups, with their best performance being three Round of 16 finishes.
- Chelsea Academy’s Legacy Chelsea’s youth system has produced notable players like Mason Mount, Reece James, and Declan Rice.
- The Rise of Dual Nationality Players Over the years, players of Nigerian descent like Alex Iwobi and Victor Moses have successfully represented Nigeria after initially being involved in England’s setup.
