Nigeria-eligible forward Dapo Afolayan has expressed a strong desire to represent the Super Eagles at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview with Bundesliga, the 27-year-old expressed his dream of representing Nigeria at the World Cup, saying, “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.”
Despite his optimism, Afolayan’s current form and output suggest that a Super Eagles call-up is an unlikely prospect, at least for now.
With Nigeria boasting an array of elite attacking talent, his performances have yet to demonstrate that he belongs in that echelon.
A modest debut Bundesliga campaign
Afolayan has endured a challenging debut in the Bundesliga this season. In 12 appearances, the forward has managed just two goals and one assist, with a scoring frequency of one goal every 393 minutes.
The former Chelsea youngster’s expected goals (xG) are modest at 1.46, highlighting a lack of consistent scoring opportunities. His conversion rate of 11% underscores inefficiency in front of goal.
Although Afolayan averages 1.6 shots per game, only 0.6 of those hit the target. In creative terms, his output is similarly underwhelming, just one big chance created and 0.9 key passes per game, with an expected assists (xA) figure of 0.52.
Compared to his potential Super Eagles rivals, the St. Pauli forward’s contributions are minimal at best, failing to make him stand out.
The Super Eagles’ stiff competition
The Super Eagles’ attacking depth is formidable, led by players delivering exceptional performances in Europe’s top leagues. Afolayan would need to surpass these stars to earn a spot, but their output is on an entirely different level.
Take Ademola Lookman, for instance. The Atalanta winger has been electrifying this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 11 Serie A matches. Lookman’s xG (4.52) and xA (3.23) reflect his elite attacking threat. He contributes 2.6 key passes per game and creates big chances with regularity, reflecting his status as a top-tier player.
Similarly, Moses Simon remains a star for Nantes in Ligue 1. The winger has delivered three goals and four assists in 12 matches, with an xG of 2.72 and an xA of 2.08.
His defensive work rate and ability to maintain an 84-minute average per game show the all-round qualities he brings to the Super Eagles squad.
Then there’s Victor Osimhen, who has been a talismanic figure for Galatasaray in Turkey. The striker has netted six goals in just eight matches this season, with an xG of 5.89 and a scoring frequency of 97 minutes.
His relentless energy and knack for creating big chances (six) make him an indispensable player. Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen adds to the competition, matching Osimhen’s six goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances with an xG of 6.54 and a scoring frequency of 111 minutes.
Against these heavyweights, Afolayan’s numbers pale in comparison.
Afolayan’s strengths and limitations
To his credit, the former Bolton Wanderers talisman has shown glimpses of promise.
He completes 77% of his passes, including 75% accuracy with long balls, and his 32.8 touches per game indicate an active involvement in St. Pauli’s build-up play. His versatility as a winger and occasional striker adds to his value.
However, his weaknesses are glaring. He has missed two big chances this season, failed to score from outside the box, and his crossing accuracy is a disappointing 22%.
While his work ethic is commendable, his output does not meet the level required for international recognition.
