Salifu Ibrahim Joins Benin Squirrels: Baba Alhassan Called Up by Uganda Cranes – Inside Ghana Footballers’ Nationality Switches

In the dynamic world of international football, nationality switches by dual-eligible players are reshaping African national teams. This article breaks down the recent decisions by Ghana-born talents Salifu Ibrahim and Baba Alhassan to represent Benin and Uganda, respectively, highlighting eligibility rules, career impacts, and broader trends ahead of AFCON 2025.

Introduction

Ghana-born footballers Salifu Ibrahim and Baba Alhassan have officially changed their international allegiances, opting to play for Benin and Uganda national teams. This move, governed by FIFA’s strict eligibility statutes, underscores a growing trend where players leverage ancestral ties or residency to join stronger squads. Salifu, a former Hearts of Oak midfielder, joins Benin’s Squirrels for upcoming friendlies, while Baba, a FCSB defender in Romania, earns his Uganda Cranes debut. These switches highlight how African football nations are bolstering rosters for major tournaments like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Analysis

Salifu Ibrahim’s Path to Benin

Salifu Ibrahim, who currently plays for FC Drita in the Kosovo Superliga, completed his nationality switch after discussions with the Benin Football Federation. His eligibility arises from his late father’s Benin origins, aligning with FIFA Article 9, which allows a one-time change for players with no senior caps if under 21 or via ancestry. Salifu contributed to FC Drita’s league title in Kosovo and was previously instrumental in Hearts of Oak’s 2020/21 Ghana Premier League victory.

Now included in Benin’s 30-man squad for a friendly against Burkina Faso on November 18, Salifu described the moment as emotional: “I’m more than pleased to play for Benin because my late father was also from Benin… It’s an emotional moment for me and my family.” Benin, nicknamed the Squirrels, has qualified for AFCON 2025 in Group D alongside Senegal, DR Congo, and Botswana.

Baba Alhassan’s Uganda Call-Up

Baba Alhassan, a defensive midfielder at FCSB (formerly Steaua Bucharest) in Romania’s Liga I, has received his first invitation to Uganda’s national team after switching from Ghana. With 21 appearances this season, his consistent performances caught the eye of coach Paul Put, whose contract was recently renewed. Baba joins a 28-man squad for friendlies against Chad on November 15 and Morocco on November 19, as Uganda prepares for AFCON qualifiers.

FIFA Nationality Switch Rules Explained

FIFA’s Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes (RGAS) permit nationality changes under specific conditions: players uncapped at senior level can switch before age 21; those with youth caps may change once via parentage or grandparentage; or after three years of residency without senior appearances. Both Salifu and Baba qualify through ancestry, a common pathway for West African talents.

Summary

Salifu Ibrahim’s switch to Benin leverages family heritage, positioning him for AFCON 2025 action, while Baba Alhassan’s move to Uganda strengthens the Cranes’ midfield. These decisions reflect strategic career choices amid Ghana’s competitive Black Stars selection, with both players poised for international debuts in November friendlies.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Aspiring Footballers Considering Nationality Switches

Young players with dual nationality should research FIFA RGAS early. Document ancestry proofs like birth certificates. Consult federations before senior debuts to avoid permanent commitments. Build club form in competitive leagues, as seen with Salifu’s Kosovo success and Baba’s Romanian outings, to attract national team scouts.

Career Boost Strategies

Target nations with AFCON qualification paths for exposure. Train with local squads during friendlies to integrate. Maintain fitness and versatility—Salifu as a playmaker, Baba as a defensive anchor—to secure spots.

Points of Caution

Irreversible Decisions

Once capped at senior level, switches are impossible under FIFA rules. Both players acted pre-debut, preserving options. Delays risk permanent Ghana ties via Black Stars youth call-ups.

Cultural and Familial Considerations

Salifu noted emotional family ties; switches can strain loyalties in football-mad Ghana. Public backlash occurred with prior cases like Asamoah.

Performance Pressure

New squads demand quick adaptation; failure risks bench roles or recalls, as Uganda’s Paul Put refreshes for AFCON.

Comparison

Vs. Other Ghana-Born Switches

Salifu and Baba join a wave: Samuel Asamoah debuted for Togo in 2022; Yaw Annor scored on Togo debut. Unlike Kennedy Boateng’s stalled Togo move, these are confirmed. Benin offers Salifu AFCON security; Uganda gives Baba European coaching under Put.

Benin vs. Uganda Prospects

Benin (AFCON-qualified) edges Uganda (qualifying), but Cranes’ recent CHAN success shows potential. Both lag powerhouses like Senegal but gain from diaspora talent.

Legal Implications

FIFA RGAS enforces nationality changes rigorously, requiring federation approvals and documentation verification. Violations lead to bans, as in past disputes (e.g., Wilfried Zaha’s Côte d’Ivoire switch). For Salifu and Baba, approvals confirm compliance—no disputes reported. National federations like Benin’s and Uganda’s must register changes with FIFA’s Player Status Committee. Ghana FA cannot challenge post-approval, per statutes. Tax and residency laws in host countries apply for club play, but international duty is passport-based.

Conclusion

Salifu Ibrahim’s Benin commitment and Baba Alhassan’s Uganda debut exemplify how football nationality changes empower players and enrich African teams. As AFCON 2025 nears, these moves signal a diaspora-driven evolution in talent distribution. Ghana loses prospects but gains competitive motivation; for Salifu and Baba, November friendlies mark pivotal steps toward continental glory.

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