FCB Nyasa Bullets striker becomes Malawian citizen, eligible for national team selection

Eight years after arriving in Malawi by chance, Babatunde Adepoju can finally call himself one of us. The Nigerian-born striker was yesterday handed his Certificate of Conferment of Citizenship of Malawi, opening the door for him to represent the Flames on the international stage.

The moment marks the culmination of an extraordinary journey that began in 2017 when Babatunde’s original destination of Tanzania fell through, leading him to try his luck in Malawi instead.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

“Yes, Babatunde is now a Malawian and is eligible to play for the Flames,” confirmed FAM’s competitions and communications director, Gomezgani Zakazaka.

Babatunde’s path to citizenship reads like a football fairy tale. What started as a backup plan has transformed into a love affair with Malawian football that spans nearly a decade.

After failing to secure a deal in Tanzania in 2017, the striker signed a four-month contract with Blue Eagles. Though he never got the chance to play for the Malawi Police Service outfit, that initial opportunity opened doors that would define his career.

His breakthrough came with Masters Security, where he helped the club capture the Carlsberg Cup in 2018 after defeating Mighty Wanderers in a memorable final. The Nomads quickly took notice, signing him for two seasons before FCB Nyasa Bullets secured his services in 2021.

It was at Bullets where Babatunde truly announced himself on the Malawian football scene. In 2022, he etched his name in Super League history by becoming the first foreign player to claim both the TNM Super League Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards.

While technically eligible for immediate selection, Babatunde’s Flames debut may have to wait. The striker still needs to obtain his Malawian passport before he can represent the country internationally.

With Malawi’s ongoing passport printing challenges, Babatunde is unlikely to join the national team for their upcoming journey to Botswana, where they face Namibia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team departs tomorrow, leaving little time for passport processing.

“He is expected to apply for the document to fulfill his dream of playing for the Flames,” Zakazaka explained, acknowledging the administrative hurdle that stands between Babatunde and his international debut.

Under Section Malawi Citizenship (Amendment) Act, CAP 15:01 of the Laws of Malawi, Babatunde qualified for citizenship through naturalization, having resided in the country for eight years. His case demonstrates how the legal framework can work for foreign players who commit long-term to Malawian football.

The striker’s naturalization comes at a crucial time for the Flames, who are navigating challenging World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Liberia. Coach Kallisto Pasuwa now has the option to call upon a proven goal scorer who understands the local game intimately.

What Babatunde Brings

The striker’s statistics speak volumes about his potential contribution to the national team. His Golden Boot-winning season showcased not just his goal-scoring prowess but his ability to perform under pressure in Malawi’s top flight.

Having played for multiple clubs across different competitions, Babatunde possesses extensive knowledge of local playing styles and conditions – invaluable assets for international football.

His journey from Masters Security to Bullets demonstrates adaptability and growth, qualities that could serve the Flames well in their World Cup qualification campaign

While passport delays may postpone his international debut, Babatunde’s citizenship represents a significant moment for both player and country. His story illustrates how football can transcend borders, creating bonds that transform foreign players into proud nationals.

For now, fans will have to wait to see their newest Malawian don the red jersey. But when that moment comes, it will be the realization of a dream eight years in the making – a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of football to create new homes and identities.

The Flames may have missed out on Babatunde for the upcoming qualifiers, but they’ve gained something potentially more valuable: a committed striker who chose to become Malawian not out of convenience, but out of genuine connection to the country and its football.