I am very happy with my choice to play for Benin – Salifu Ibrahim

Salifu Ibrahim, born June 6, 2000, recently earned a call-up to the Benin national team after making his mark with FC Drita in Kosovo.

The talented attacking midfielder, who previously played for Ghana’s Eleven Wonders and Hearts of Oak, is especially proud to wear the Benin jersey, honoring his family roots. His team currently ranks third in the Kosovo league, with one league goal to his name this season.

Transferring from Hearts of Oak to Drita in August 2024, Salifu has already competed in Champions League and Europa League qualifiers. He shared how the call-up made a lifelong dream come true and credited his late father’s Beninese heritage as a key factor in choosing Benin.

Salifu overcame challenges during his youth. He recalls being turned down by the Red Bull Academy and spending nights at a bus station in Accra before a friend gave him shelter. Now, with both league and cup titles in Ghana and European competition experience, he encourages young players to stay focused.

“I am very happy with my choice to play for Benin, because my late father was also from Benin, so it is not difficult for me to change nationality,” he told 229foot.

“My dream was to one day play for the Benin national team, and that dream has come true, so I am very happy.

“Football is not an easy job. So, if you are a young footballer, you need to be focused and determined.”