Former Hearts midfielder Ibrahim Salifu joins Benin camp after Ghana switch

Ibrahim Salifu, a former Ghana Premier League star, has joined the Benin national team for the first time following his nationality switch. The ex-Hearts of Oak player trained with the Squirrels ahead of their international friendly against Burkina Faso.Salifu is expected to make his debut against the Stallions as Gernot Rohr puts together a strong team for next month's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.Despite representing Ghana at various levels, Salifu switched his nationality to play for the country of his father."I am very happy with my choice to play for Benin, because my late father was also from Benin, so it is not difficult for me to change nationality," he told 299 Foot."My dream was to one day play for the Benin national team, and that dream has come true, so I am very happy," he added.The FC Drita midfielder is also expected to make the list for the Nations Cup next month. Benin have been drawn in Group D alongside DR Congo, Botswana and Senegal.