Afolayan’s positive response keeps Nigeria hopes alive after Blackburn winner

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray’s decision to be “more positive” paid off as Dapo Afolayan scored the goal that secured a 2-1 Championship victory over West Ham.

Mowbray had considered leaving out a winger and adopting a more defensive approach for the match at Ewood Park on 7 November. Instead, he kept Afolayan in the team, and the England-born forward delivered his sixth goal of the season.

Andri Gudjohnsen put Blackburn ahead with a header before Afolayan doubled their advantage with 19 minutes remaining. Jayden Fevrier supplied the pass, allowing Afolayan to move towards the edge of the area before sending a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

West Ham reduced the deficit, but Blackburn held on to claim three points and move to within three points of the Championship play-off places.

Mowbray later told the Lancashire Telegraph that he had debated using a system without one of his wingers, with Fevrier the player most likely to make way. He ultimately chose the more attacking option, and both wide players contributed to the decisive goal.

The result further strengthened Afolayan’s case for an international opportunity. He has committed his international future to Nigeria and remains eligible for the Super Eagles, although he is still waiting for his first call-up from head coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle is preparing Nigeria for Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania without Afolayan. The current squad, in Uyo, includes wide players Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Moses Usor, leaving the Blackburn forward competing for a place among a crowded group of options.

A question of style as well as statistics

Afolayan’s six goals from the wing represent a strong return in the Championship, particularly for a Blackburn side competing for a play-off position. However, his claim to a Nigeria place is not based solely on his scoring record.

His direct running and willingness to shoot early offer a different option in wide areas. That was demonstrated against West Ham, when he moved inside and finished from the edge of the penalty area.

Such an approach could be valuable against opponents who defend deeply. Tanzania are expected to present that type of challenge in Uyo, where a winger prepared to try his luck from distance could give Nigeria another way to break through.

Afolayan came close to his first international call-up earlier in the autumn. As reported by Soccernet in October, he said he believed he had been close to being selected.

With Nigeria’s squad for the present international window already confirmed, his next opportunity is expected to come in March. Performances such as the one against West Ham could make it increasingly difficult for him to be overlooked.