The Blackburn Rovers forward says wearing the green and white is a childhood dream, and his current form has put him back in the conversation.
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Afolayan’s Super Eagles dream
London-born forward Dapo Afolayan says representing Nigeria remains one of his biggest football ambitions. The Blackburn Rovers attacker admits he came close to a Super Eagles call up in the past. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that he is still waiting for his first senior appearance for Nigeria.
“I’d love to play for Nigeria,” Afolayan said. He added that it has been a wish since he was a kid.
He explained that he was playing well in Germany with St. Pauli and was close to an invitation. His form then dipped at an unfortunate moment, before the international break.
Afolayan has played for England at C level but remains eligible for Nigeria through his heritage. Fans following Nigerian-eligible players in England can read Bet9ja’s promotion code summary before the weekend.
Form at Blackburn
The 29 year old has scored three goals and provided two assists in eight Championship games this season. He has started all eight of Blackburn’s league matches.
His form earned a nomination for the September Championship Player of the Month award. Blackburn signed him from St. Pauli in February 2026.
Readers who like to follow the Championship can read about the referral code feature on Bet9ja before the next round.
A winding career
Afolayan began at Harrow St Marys and moved to Canada at 15. He returned to England at 18 to study civil engineering.
He signed for West Ham in 2018 and made his debut in January 2021, scoring in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Doncaster Rovers. He then played for Bolton Wanderers before moving to St. Pauli, where he won promotion from the 2. Bundesliga in 2023/24.
Can Chelle’s door open?
Chelle has handed debuts to several new players in recent camps, and Afolayan’s form puts him in that conversation. Can a consistent Championship season turn into a Nigeria invitation?
New users hoping to back Blackburn can check the YOHAIG Bet9ja deal before the next round.
For now, Afolayan can only keep scoring and hope the phone rings.
📌 Did You Know?
- Afolayan was born in Harrow on September 11, 1997.
- He scored 15 goals in 86 appearances for St. Pauli.
- His earlier clubs include Solihull Moors, Oldham Athletic and Mansfield Town.
- He stands 1.80 metres tall.
- FotMob lists Nigeria as his second nationality.

