Blackburn Rovers forward Dapo Afolayan has reiterated his desire to represent Nigeria at senior international level, revealing that playing for the Super Eagles has been a childhood ambition, Footynaija.com reports.
The 29-year-old, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, has enjoyed a strong start to the 26/27 campaign with Blackburn and believes his long-standing international dream could still become a reality.
Afolayan has previously come close to earning a Nigeria call-up, particularly during his time with German side St. Pauli, but admitted that unfortunate timing ultimately prevented him from joining up with the Super Eagles.
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“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’ve been really close, and timing has been unfortunate in a few cases.
“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. I ended up not going. It’s just one of those things that has not come to pass.”
Afolayan spent three years with St. Pauli before returning to England, making 93 appearances and scoring 16 goals for the German club.
He joined Blackburn Rovers in February 2026 and has quickly become an important attacking option for the Championship side.
The winger has already scored four goals and provided two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions this season, including three goals and two assists in eight Championship starts.
His performances also earned him a nomination for the Championship Player of the Month award for September.
Despite previously representing England at junior international level, Afolayan remains eligible to play for Nigeria and has now made his ambitions clear once again.
With his form continuing to turn heads in the Championship, the Blackburn forward will hope his latest run of performances can finally bring the Super Eagles opportunity he has been waiting for.
