Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Ibrahim Salifu has joined the Benin national team for the first time after completing his nationality change from Ghana.
The 24-year-old trained with the Squirrels this week ahead of their international friendly against Burkina Faso, as head coach Gernot Rohr continues to fine-tune his squad for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Salifu, who currently plays for FC Drita in Kosovo, represented Ghana at youth level but has now opted to play for the country of his late father.
Speaking to 299 Foot, the midfielder said he felt a deep sense of pride in finally fulfilling a long-held dream.
“I am very happy with my choice to play for Benin, because my late father was also from Benin, so it is not difficult for me to change nationality,” he said.
“My dream was to one day play for the Benin national team, and that dream has come true, so I am very happy.”
Salifu could make his international debut when Benin face Burkina Faso in the upcoming friendly. He is also expected to be part of Rohr’s final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, where Benin have been drawn in Group D alongside DR Congo, Botswana and Senegal.
The former Ghana Premier League Player of the Season is regarded as one of the dazzling midfielders to emerge from Hearts of Oak in recent years, having played a vital role in their domestic double triumph in 2021 before moving abroad.
By: Pascal Amoah
