“Play for Nigeria at the next World Cup” – Ex-Chelsea star sends strong message to NFF

Nigeria-eligible forward Oladapo Afolayan has revealed that he is looking forward to breaking into the Super Eagles squad ahead of the q026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

Afolayan has had a decent campaign with St. Pauli since they gained promotion to the German Bundesliga.

The 27-year-old winger joined the club from Bolton in January 2023 in a €600,000-deal, and he played a vital role in their promotion from the Bundesliga 2., contributing nine goals and three assists in 31 appearances.

This season, Afolayan has produced two goals and one assist in 12 appearances, as St. Pauli sit 15th in the German top flight.

On the international scene, Afolayan is recognized as an English player, as he was born and bred there. He even spent some of his formative years at Chelsea. In a recent interview, he revealed that his time at Stamford Bridge helped shape him as a person and as a footballer.

“In the couple of years that I was there, the players – we came through some of the top players in the world and top players in world football because of the set-up, the facilities, the coaching staff. All of them were fantastic and really helped guide us into being not just good footballers but also good men as well,” Afolayan told the Bundesliga.

The St. Pauli winger has never represented Nigerian on any level. But he is hoping that his performances can buy him a place in the Super Eagles squad for the next FIFA World Cup in 2026.

“I want to kick on again, play international football. Play for Nigeria at the next World Cup, and hopefully as long as my performances keep being strong and improving, then I'll do that,” Afolayan said.

The Nigerian forward will be looking to continue with his form so that the Nigeria Football Federation will take notice. Moreover, the Super Eagles do not have many quality wingers. Hence, he can fancy his chances.