National Teams
Babatunde Adepoju dumps Nigeria, pledges allegiance to Malawi’s Flames
By Dayo Awoniyi
FCB Nyasa Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju has officially switched his international allegiance from Nigeria to Malawi after completing his naturalization process, paving the way for him to represent the Flames on the global stage.
The prolific forward, one of the most feared attackers in the Malawian Super League, confirmed his Malawian citizenship this week — a development that has ignited excitement among fans and officials who see him as a potential game-changer for the national team.
Known for his pace, physical presence, and ruthless finishing, Adepoju has been a consistent performer for Nyasa Bullets in both domestic competitions and the CAF Champions League.
His decision is already being hailed as a major boost for Malawi’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where attacking depth has often been a concern.
Reports suggest that only the issuance of a Malawian passport now stands between Adepoju and his competitive debut.
Officials of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) welcomed the move, describing it as a “big step forward” in strengthening the squad.
“This is a landmark addition for our team. Babatunde’s quality and experience will provide the firepower we need in attack as we continue our journey towards the World Cup,” a FAM representative told reporters.
Supporters have also embraced the development, with many hopeful that Adepoju’s inclusion could finally tilt the balance in Malawi’s long-standing dream of reaching a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
If his documentation is finalized on time, the 29-year-old is expected to feature in Malawi’s upcoming qualifiers, where his goal-scoring pedigree and experience in African club football could prove decisive.
