Blackburn Rovers forward Dapo Afolayan says he would “love” to play for Nigeria after revealing that he has previously come close to receiving a Super Eagles call-up.
The 29-year-old was born in London to Nigerian parents and remains eligible to represent the country at senior international level.
Afolayan has played once for England C, but that team is not affiliated with FIFA. His appearance therefore does not prevent him from switching allegiance to Nigeria.
“I would love to play for Nigeria. It’s always been something I wanted to do since I was a kid,” Afolayan told Blackburn Rovers’ official website.
“I have been really close, and timing has been unfortunate in a few cases.”
The forward explained that he had been competing in the Bundesliga when he appeared to be on the verge of being selected by Nigeria, only for his circumstances to change before 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,” he said.
“I ended up not going. It’s just one of those things that has not come to pass.”
Afolayan moved to Sky Bet Championship club Blackburn Rovers from German side FC St. Pauli in January 2026.
He has made a strong start to his time at Ewood Park, scoring three goals and supplying two assists in eight league appearances this season.
That form could give the London-born forward another opportunity to attract the attention of the Nigeria national team. Afolayan remains determined to fulfil his long-standing ambition of representing the Super Eagles before the end of his career.