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Afolayan ‘raring to go’ as Blackburn begin competitive season against Burton
Dapo Afolayan says Blackburn Rovers are ready to return to competitive football when they face Burton Albion in the opening round of the Carabao Cup on Sunday.
The fixture will be Blackburn’s first competitive match of the 2026/2027 season, and Afolayan believes the intensity of a competitive game will bring out the best in the squad after a productive pre-season.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Afolayan said in an interview with RoversTV.
“It’s important for us as a team, after a good pre-season, to have a competitive game, because they bring the best out of all of us and get us going.
“The first few weeks of pre-season are always good to get in the building and see everyone again.
“But you feel ready for the action as you get to August and are raring to go for the thick of things when it comes to competitive games, so we’re looking forward to it all starting again.”
The 28-year-old winger added that he had used the close season to prepare himself physically and felt ready for the demands of the new campaign.
“I feel good. I’ve had a good pre-season and worked hard in the off-season to get to a level off the back of last term and I’m ready for the new season.”
Afolayan has played a significant role in Blackburn’s preparations under manager Tony Mowbray and will be looking to maintain that form when the competitive programme begins.
The former St. Pauli player’s performances could also have implications beyond club football. Born in London, England, he remains eligible to represent Nigeria and has previously said he would be willing to switch his international allegiance after not receiving opportunities with England.
His connection with Nigeria grew stronger during the 2025 Unity Cup, when he visited the Super Eagles’ camp and met head coach Eric Chelle and members of the national team’s technical crew.
Afolayan is yet to receive a maiden call-up to the Super Eagles, but a positive start to the season could improve his prospects as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
For now, his focus is on helping Blackburn make a strong start in the Carabao Cup. Having worked through the early stages of pre-season and built up his fitness, he is eager for the opening competitive test to arrive and to move into the “thick of things” with the new campaign under way.
