Super Eagles: England-born Nigerian forward eyes maiden call-up – “I was so close”

The Super Eagles had 11 players make their debuts over the September International break, and Blackburn Rovers forward Oladapo Afolayan is itching to don the green and white jersey of Nigeria.

The London-born attacker has been in excellent form for Blackburn this season, registering three goals and two assists in eight Championship appearances.

Afolayan's recent form earned him a nomination for the Championship Player of the Month award for September after he scored twice against Millwall before contributing a goal and an assist in Blackburn's 2-2 draw with Portsmouth.

The 29-year-old's performances have once again brought his name into the conversation around potential additions to Eric Chelle's Super Eagles squad.

Afolayan has already made his international preference clear, having committed his future to Nigeria despite previously representing England C.

He also strengthened his relationship with the Nigerian setup when he visited the Super Eagles' team hotel during the 2025 Unity Cup in London and held discussions with members of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Dapo Afolayan reveals how close he came to a Super Eagles call-up

Despite his desire to represent Nigeria, Afolayan is still waiting for his first senior international appearance.

The former St. Pauli forward revealed that the opportunity came during his time in the Bundesliga, when his performances for the German club had put him on the radar for a potential Super Eagles invitation.

However, his situation changed shortly before the March international break when he stopped playing for St. Pauli.

Speaking on Blackburn's official football channel, Afolayan explained that the timing ultimately worked against him.

“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,” the former West Ham United forward said.

“You know, the timing could be unfortunate in a few cases.

“I was playing really well in the Bundesliga, and I was really close to a call-up, and I ended up not playing before the March break, so I didn't get it.”

The forward admitted that missing out was disappointing, but he has not given up on his international ambition.

“It's just one of those things that has not come to pass, but it can still,” he added.

Afolayan's Bundesliga spell gives him a strong reference point as he continues to chase his first Super Eagles invitation.

He joined St. Pauli in 2023 after helping Bolton Wanderers establish him as a regular Football League player and played a key role in the German club's promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2023/24 season.

In St. Pauli's first Bundesliga campaign in 2024/25, he made 32 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

He left the club for Blackburn in February 2026 after making 93 appearances for St. Pauli across competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists.

Afolayan harbours Premier League dream

Afolayan's ambition extends beyond simply making his Super Eagles debut. The Blackburn forward also hopes to return to the Premier League, having previously spent time at West Ham United before building his career outside England's top flight.

“I've played at the highest level in terms of top leagues, but I want to do that again here in the Premier League if we get the chance,” the Harrow-born attacker said.

Blackburn have a long-term target of competing for promotion, and Afolayan believes there is no reason for the club to rule out a push towards the Premier League.

“There's no reason for us not to get it. We'll take everything game by game, and if we can get it, we must take it,” he added.

For now, the forward is concentrating on maintaining his form and helping Blackburn through a demanding Championship campaign.

“I want to keep playing, keep pushing harder. There's a lot of games to be played; getting through those healthy and in a good position will set us on a good path as a group,” Afolayan concluded.

His focus remains Blackburn, but his recent performances have placed his Super Eagles ambition firmly in the spotlight.

With Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle preparing to assess his options ahead of the November International break, Afolayan will hope his current run of form can finally turn a long-standing ambition into his maiden senior call-up.