Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepojeu’s dream of playing for the Malawi National Football Team is about to come true as he is on the verge of acquiring Malawian citizenship.
A source confided in The Nation that the FCB Nyasa Bullets striker already completed all documentation with the assistance of Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to be granted the citizenship.
He said: “The paperwork was already done. He should be issued with the citizenship within the next couple of days.
“Actually, his application was submitted alongside that of [US-based] Mayele Malango, who has also been granted Malawian citizenship as well.”
In July, Babatunde publicly expressed his wish to play for the Flames.
“Malawi has given me a lot. It has made me a football star. So, definitely, I would like to give back to the nation if an opportunity comes,” he said.
Under Malawi Citizenship (Amendment) Act, CAP 15:01 of the Laws of Malawi, Babatunde is eligible for Malawi citizenship through naturalisation or registration, having stayed in the country for eight years.
Babatunde’s journey to Malawi was by chance as his initial destination in 2017 was Tanzania. However, after failing to clinch a deal, he entered Malawi and signed a four-months deal with Blue Eagles.
But Babatunde never got a chance to play for the Malawi Police Service outfit and joined Masters Security whom he helped to win the Carlsberg Cup in 2018.
The following season, the Nomads snapped him up and he played for them for two seasons, before letting him go.
Bullets signed him in 2021 and in 2022 he became the first foreigner to win the Golden Boot as well as Player of the Season.
Meanwhile, Malango has been granted Malawian citizenship having stayed in Malawi for 11 years at Dzeleka Refugee Camp in Dowa from 1998 after his parents fled war from the Democratic Republic of Congo. From Malawi, he migrated to the US with his parents.
According to documents The Narion has seen, Malango was granted the Certificate of Conferment of Citizenship of Malawi on May 25 2025.
Flames coach Kallisto Pasuwa yesterday named Malango, alongside another US-based forward, Henri Kumwenda, in his 26-member squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Liberia.
The squad includes 16 foreign-based players.
Malango, who is currently playing for Monterey Bay FC in the USL Championship and arrived yesterday, said he is excited to play for the Flames.
Posting on his Facebook page yesterday, he said: “I want to begin by thanking God for this incredible opportunity. Representing Malawi on the international stage has always been my dream and I am deeply honoured to be recognised by the Football Association of Malawi. This country is more than just a home to me.
“Malawi gave my family and me a second chance at life after we fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998 due to war. We lost everything we had, but Malawi welcomed us with open arms and gave us the opportunity to rebuild from scratch.
“That act of kindness and generosity will forever be etched in my heart. Now, I get to wear its colours with pride. I am beyond grateful and excited to represent this great nation. I can’t wait to get started. See you all soon.”
Pasuwa, on his part, said he has been monitoring both Kumwenda and Malango before calling them for the Flames assignments.
He said: “Ever since I was appointed coach, I have been assessing a number of players in diaspora, sometimes sleeping very late due to time differences just to watch their games. I also have videos of the players.”
Born to Malawian parents, Kumwenda, who migrated to England at a tender age, is returning to the Flames fold after former coach Patrick Mabedi also invited him in 2023 for the Four-Nations Tourney which Malawi hosted.
