Former Ghana Premier League star Salifu Ibrahim has completed a remarkable international switch, earning his first call-up to the Benin national team.
The former Accra Hearts of Oak playmaker, known as “Di Maria” was officially named in Benin’s squad for their upcoming international friendly on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, during the FIFA window.
Ibrahim’s inclusion was confirmed on Thursday when the Benin Football Federation released its squad list, with the 25-year-old’s name appearing alongside established midfielders Sessi D’Almeida, Prince Ricardo Dossou, and Rodrique Kossi.
For Ibrahim, this marks a new chapter in a career that has already seen him lift both the Ghana Premier League and FA Cup titles with Hearts of Oak during the 2020/21 season.
Ibrahim has been in inspired form this season at club level, impressing scouts with his consistency and skills, attributes that caught the eye of Benin’s national team handlers.
The Squirrels’ head coach Gernot Rohr is expected to hand Salifu his international debut later this month as part of his efforts to build a more dynamic, attack-minded team ahead of upcoming AFCON 2025 tournament.
Ibrahim’s call-up underlines the growing impact of former Ghana Premier League stars making waves beyond Ghana’s borders.
By: Pascal Amoah
