Ibrahim Salifu, the former Hearts of Oak and Eleven Wonders midfielder, has received his first-ever call-up to the Benin national team, marking a significant shift in his international career.

Now playing for FC Drita in Kosovo, the 25-year-old Ghana-born playmaker has been named in Gernot Rohr’s squad for an upcoming international friendly against Burkina Faso later this month.

Salifu, who was born and raised in Ghana, has opted to represent Benin at senior level, leveraging his eligibility and seeking a fresh international pathway.

His inclusion reflects Benin’s growing scouting reach and Salifu’s consistent performances in Europe, where he helped FC Drita to a league title.

Benin recently qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since the 2019 edition in Egypt, and will compete in Group D alongside DR Congo, Senegal and Botswana.

Salifu’s call-up could see him feature in AFCON 2025, adding continental exposure to his growing résumé.