Former Hearts of Oak Midfielder Ibrahim Salifu Earns First Call-Up for Benin After Nationality Switch
Former Accra Hearts of Oak midfielder Ibrahim Salifu has made headlines after earning his first international call-up — but this time not for Ghana, his home country. The talented midfielder has officially switched his national allegiance to Benin, opening a new chapter in his professional football career.
The unexpected move comes after years of consistent performances in the Ghana Premier League, where Salifu earned recognition for his creativity, ball control, and versatility in midfield. Despite his strong form with Hearts of Oak, the midfielder struggled to break into Ghana’s highly competitive national team setup — a challenge faced by many local players.
Sources close to the player indicate that the decision to represent Benin was both strategic and emotional. Salifu reportedly qualifies to play for Benin through family heritage and sees the opportunity as a chance to make his mark at the international level. His inclusion in the Benin national team’s latest squad marks a proud moment for both the player and his supporters.
Football analysts have described the switch as a smart career decision. “Salifu is an intelligent player with good passing ability and vision,” one sports pundit noted. “Choosing Benin could give him the international exposure he deserves, something that might have taken longer with Ghana’s crowded midfield options.”Activewear
For Benin, Salifu’s addition brings experience and quality to the squad. Having played in Ghana’s top flight, he brings valuable match fitness and tactical awareness that could help strengthen Benin’s midfield ahead of their upcoming fixtures in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. His style of play — combining technique with work rate — is expected to fit well into Benin’s dynamic football setup.
This development also sheds light on the growing trend of nationality switches among African players. With FIFA regulations allowing players with multiple national eligibilities to change allegiances under certain conditions, more footballers are exploring alternative routes to international football. In Salifu’s case, it represents both a personal and professional rebirth.
As he joins the Benin camp, expectations are high. Fans in both Ghana and Benin will be watching closely to see how Salifu adapts to his new team and whether he can make an immediate impact on the international stage. For the midfielder, this is not just a change of jersey — it’s a chance to redefine his legacy.
Source: Thepressradio.com
