Babatunde Adepoju has shared an emotional message after joining the Malawi National Football Team for the first time, describing his journey to wearing the Flames jersey as one filled with gratitude, faith, and pride.
The Nigerian-born striker, who officially acquired Malawian citizenship through naturalisation last month, joins fellow Bullets stars Yankho Singo and Chikumbutso Salima in Kalisto Pasuwa’s Flames squad for the upcoming fixtures against Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe this month.
The 29-year-old, who has spent the past eight years playing in Malawi, said finally receiving a Flames call-up is the realisation of a goal he has carried since settling in the country.
“My journey to Malawi is interesting and, at the same time, a sad one. Malawi is now my home. Arriving in 2017, the country has given me almost everything. I’ve met coaches who have helped me to be where I am — not yet at my best, but I still believe I can do more,” he said.
“It feels good to represent this beautiful country while in this jersey. Together with my teammates and the technical team, I believe we can achieve a lot. In everything, we thank God.
“Mulungu wa mphamvu, dalitsani Malawi the Flames (God of power, bless Malawi the Flames). God over everything.”
His emotional words reflect a journey defined by resilience, faith, and dedication to the country that has become his second home.
Babatunde began his Malawian football journey with the now-disbanded Masters Security in 2017 — the same year he arrived in the country — before moving to Mighty Wanderers.
In 2021, he crossed to the red side of Blantyre, signing for Bullets, where his goal-scoring prowess quickly caught attention. His exploits earned him a move to Venda Football Club in South Africa at the end of the 2022 season, but he returned to The People’s Team on loan last year, where he continues to lead the line.
With Bullets, the striker has made 115 appearances, scored 67 goals, and won seven major trophies along with three Golden Boot awards across his two spells.
He has been in fine form this season, contributing 15 goals and five assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, including Sunday’s 2-1 TNM Super League win over Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium.
Babatunde is part of the Flames squad that will host Equatorial Guinea on 9 October at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, before travelling to Tunis for the away fixture against São Tomé and Príncipe on 13 October.
His journey to the national team is another proud milestone for The People’s Team, whose players continue to make an impact at every level of the game.
