Former Hearts of Oak Player Salifu Ibrahim Receives First Invitation to Benin National Team

Kosovo-based midfielder Salifu Ibrahim has been named in Benin’s squad for a crucial international friendly against Burkina Faso, marking a major milestone in his football career.

Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Salifu Ibrahim has earned his first-ever call-up to the Benin national team, an exciting new chapter in his international football journey.

The 25-year-old, who now plays for FC Drita in Kosovo, was included in coach Gernot Rohr’s squad for an upcoming international friendly against Burkina Faso later this month.

This marks a significant shift for the talented midfielder, who was born and raised in Ghana but has decided to represent Benin at the senior international level.

Ibrahim’s decision to switch nationalities comes after years of standout performances in the Ghana Premier League, where he earned recognition playing for Eleven Wonders before making a high-profile move to Hearts of Oak in 2021.

During his time at Hearts, he played an instrumental role in securing the club’s 2021 Ghana Premier League title and the FA Cup triumph, establishing himself as one of the most creative and influential midfielders in the league.

Following his success in Ghana, Salifu Ibrahim continued to impress at FC Drita in Kosovo, where he helped the club secure a league title. His consistent performances have now earned him the chance to showcase his talents on the international stage with Benin.

The Benin national team, having recently qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is set to face a challenging group, as they will compete in Group D alongside heavyweights Senegal, DR Congo, and Botswana. Benin’s national team will be looking to build on their recent qualification success, and Ibrahim’s creativity in midfield could provide the spark they need to make a strong showing at the continental tournament.