Sierra Leone FA okays Victor Kayode to play for Leone Stars
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) has confirmed that the 25-year old Nigerian born defensive midfielder Victor Kayode is now eligible to play for Sierra Leone. (Photo: Victor Kayode in Leone Stars training in Tunisia (Photo Credit: Mohamed Fajah Barrie))
Acting General Secretary of the SLFA, Abdul Rahman Swarray said, Kayode fulfils one of the conditions set out by world’s football governing body, FIFA, for players wishing to switch nationality because his maternal grandfather was from Sierra Leone.
Swarray told the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) in Tunis that he has got in touch with FIFA about the eligibility of player and they have told him he can play for Leone Stars as long as he meet any of the set out criteria.
The Azerbaijan based player is currently training with the Leone Stars team in Monastir for the team’s Africa Cup of Nations final round second leg match against Tunisia on Saturday as he’s available for selection.
He’s delighted he can now play for Sierra Leone. He said: “I expressed joy when I received the good news because my dream has come true.”
Kayode added: “in fact I’m lost of words; all I can say now is that I’m looking forward to make my Sierra Leone debut against Tunisia on Saturday if I’m picked by Coach Lars Olof Mattsson.”
“I have no regret in my decision to play for Sierra Leone and I’ll always give out my best for the national team.
Kayode was first invited to play for Leone Stars against Tunisia in Freetown last month but was not eligible.
He expressed interest to play for Sierra Leone four months ago after he was introduced by a friend and Leone Stars skipper Ibrahim ‘Obrey’ Kargbo to Coach Lars Olof Mattsson who was impressed with him in training.
Kayode was born in Ondo state to Nigerian parents and he played for local team Sunshine Stars for a period of six months before moving to Azerbaijan about six years ago.
By Mohamed Fajah Barrie in Monastir (Credit: SWASAL Sponsors: Mercury International)
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