St. Pauli forward Oladapo Afolayan has expressed his ambition to represent Nigeria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 27-year-old, born in England to Nigerian parents, has been in solid form for his club and is eager to don the green and white jersey on football’s biggest stage.
Afolayan, who joined St. Pauli from Bolton Wanderers in January 2023, played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
Known for his versatility in attack, he has continued to contribute to St. Pauli’s campaign, registering two goals and an assist in 13 appearances this term.
In an interview with the Bundesliga International, Afolayan revealed his desire to achieve a lifelong dream of playing for Nigeria, emphasising the importance of his performances at club level.
“Yes, I want to keep playing at the highest level as long as possible. I’ve always wanted to
play in the Premier League, I’ve always wanted to play Champions League football and
Bundesliga as well. So, I want to keep pushing and try and hopefully push to that level.
“It’s down to me, I’m on the pitch now, I’m playing at the highest level. For me, 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.
While Afolayan is yet to receive a call-up to the Super Eagles, his consistent displays in the Bundesliga could catch the attention of Nigeria’s head coach.
With the World Cup still two years away, Afolayan’s focus will remain on improving his game and proving he can be a valuable asset to the Nigerian team.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
