'I'll do that' - Chelsea alum eyes Super Eagles call-up ahead of 2026 World Cup despite England cap

Chelsea alum Dapo Afolayan is eyeing a call-up to the Super Eagles despite before the 2026 Fifa World Cup despite being capped by England.

The 27-year-old was born in England to Nigerian parents, thereby making him eligible to play for the 1966 world champions and the three-time African champions.

He has one cap for the England C team, which is meant for players playing for the non-league sides. He made his only appearance for the team in 2017 during a 4-0 defeat to Slovakia U23.

Afolayan started his football career with Harrow St Marys before moving to Chelsea. He left the Blues at the age of 14 to concentrate on his academics.

The versatile forward now plays for German Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli and was key member of the squad that gained promotion to the top flight, scoring nine goals in 31 games in 2.Bundesliga last term.

Speaking about his time at Chelsea with the Bundesliga official website, he revealed how he met world-class players at the club and holds no regret for his stay with them.

"In the couple of years that I was there, the players – we came through some of the top players in the world and top players in world football because of the set-up, the facilities, the coaching staff. All of them were fantastic and really helped guide us into being not just good footballers but also good men as well.”

On his international ambitions, the London-born forward is looking to get his first call-up to the Super Eagles and represent the country at the next World Cup.

"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."

The Super Eagles are blessed with a host of talented forwards at the moment, and Afolayan will have to improve his game to get his first invitation to the team.

He has made 14 appearances across all competitions for St.Pauli this term and has two goals.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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