Babatunde Adepoju earns Malawi call-up after Citizenship approval

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju has been called up to the Malawi national team camp ahead of September matches against Namibia and Liberia, after officially obtaining Malawian citizenship through naturalization.

The towering Nigerian-born forward has completed all required procedures and is now eligible for selection as a local player, marking a significant boost for the Flames’ attacking options.

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Football Association of Malawi (FAM) Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed the development yesterday, stating that Adepoju now qualifies to represent Malawi after living in the country for eight years.

“Babatunde is now a Malawian. What remains is finalizing documentation so that he can be officially registered in accordance with competition rules and regulations,” Zakazaka said.

The association has already requested clearance from Bullets for the striker to join the national team camp ahead of the upcoming fixtures.

Adepoju’s journey to Malawian citizenship began under the previous FAM administration led by Walter Nyamilandu, but concrete steps were only taken when current coach Kalisto Pasuwa – who previously worked with the striker at Bullets – expressed interest in his services.

The striker becomes one of the few footballers to change nationality to Malawian following the adoption of dual citizenship laws. Under Section 6(1) of the Malawi Citizenship (Amendment) Act, Adepoju obtained citizenship through naturalization after his eight-year residency.

US-based forward Mayele Malango has also recently secured Malawian citizenship, while Jubril Okedina and Takondwa Mansa, who represented Malawi during the Four Nations Tournament in March 2023, have also acquired citizenship.

Both Adepoju and Malango must obtain Malawian passports before featuring in official international matches. While Malango joined the Flames camp last week in a race against time for the Namibia clash, Babatunde may miss the trip to Botswana but is likely to be available when Malawi face Liberia.

Babatunde’s career built in Malawi

Adepoju’s football journey in Malawi began in 2017 when he joined Blue Eagles, though he struggled to make an impact initially. His breakthrough came at Masters Security FC, where he helped the team win the 2018 Carlsberg Cup, scoring crucial goals as they defeated MZUNI FC, Mafco FC, and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets before stunning Mighty Wanderers on penalties.

His impressive performances earned him a move to Mighty Wanderers in 2019 as a free agent, marking the beginning of his rise to prominence in Malawian football. Bullets had shown early interest in the striker, even attempting to secure him on loan for CAF Champions League assignments against Kenya’s Gor Mahia, but the deal fell through.

At Wanderers, Adepoju initially led the 2019 scoring charts before finishing third to Silver Strikers’ Khuda Muyaba, who claimed the golden boot with 21 goals compared to Babatunde’s 14. Hassan Kajoke finished second with 17 goals.

FCB Nyasa Big Bullets eventually secured their target in the first round of the 2021 season, paying approximately MK3.5 million for the striker after he had scored five goals. The move proved transformative for both player and club.

Adepoju immediately made his mark, scoring eight goals in the Airtel Top 8 Cup, including a memorable four-goal haul in Bullets’ 4-1 victory over his former team Wanderers in the final.

The 2022 season marked his peak performance in Malawian football. Babatunde scored 18 league goals and five FDH Bank Cup goals, winning golden boots in both competitions while helping Bullets secure the Super League and FDH Bank Cup double before moving to Venda Academy in South Africa.

He returned to Bullets on loan in 2024, maintaining his prolific form with 10 league goals in 25 TNM Super League games and eight goals in other competitions, along with 11 assists. The team won another Airtel Top 8 Cup with his contributions.

After extending his loan in January 2025, Adepoju is currently leading the scoring charts with 11 goals from 16 matches this season, including 15 goals across all competitions in 21 matches.

“National Team Ambitions”

Speaking to Bullets’ media platform Maule Talks, Adepoju previously expressed his desire to represent Malawi as gratitude for the country’s role in his career development.

“It’s my wish [to play for the Malawi National Team] because Malawi as a nation has given me a lot,” he stated. “I have been a successful footballer in Malawi, and definitely, I want to be part of the National Team if an opportunity comes.

“It’s something that I would like to achieve because it’s going to help my career as a person, benefiting myself and benefiting the nation, because I know that I’m capable of doing whatever is needed.”

Is Babatunde an answer to Malawi’s scoring woes?

At 29 years old (turning 30 on November 21), Adepoju joins a Flames squad where the striking options are all approaching or past 30.

Richard Mbulu will turn 32 in January 2025, while Gabadinho Mhango turns 33 this September. Even the youngest current striker, Mayele Malango, will be 29 in February.

While these players offer immediate solutions for upcoming qualifiers, Malawi will need to continue developing younger striking talent for long-term success. However, Adepoju’s proven goal-scoring record and experience in high-pressure matches make him a valuable addition to coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s options.

FAM engaged the Ministry of Youth and Sports last year to facilitate dual citizenship for several players to strengthen the Flames ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which begin in November. Adepoju’s successful naturalization represents a significant step in this strategy.