Southeast Asian country grants citizenship to Nigerian-born and British-born footballers who adopt new Vietnamese names
Nigerian-born Michael Olaha has been granted Vietnamese citizenship, becoming the latest African to acquire nationality in the Southeast Asian country as Vietnam expands pathways for foreigners with skills considered beneficial to the country.
Black News 
Nigerian-born Michael Olaha has been granted Vietnamese citizenship, becoming the latest African to acquire nationality in the Southeast Asian country as Vietnam expands pathways for foreigners with skills considered beneficial to the country.
- Both athletes currently play for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC and their new citizenship allows them to be registered as domestic players.
- Vietnam has previously granted citizenship to other African-born footballers who have established their careers in the country.
- Recent changes in Vietnamese laws have broadened pathways for skilled foreigners and investors to gain citizenship or longer stays, reflecting Vietnam's efforts to attract global talent.
British-born Williams Lee was also granted citizenship, with both men receiving decisions from Vietnam’s State President at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice on September 18, according to Tuoi Tre News.
Olaha, born in Nigeria in 1997, has adopted the Vietnamese name Olaha Manh Duc, while Lee, born in Britain in 2007, will be known as Williams Minh Hoang.
Both men play for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC, where their new nationality allows them to be registered as domestic rather than foreign players.
Their citizenship could also make them eligible to represent Vietnam internationally, with Lee already receiving his first national-team call-up.
Vietnamese law requires naturalisation applicants to have a Vietnamese name, which they may choose themselves.
While adopting local names is also common among some foreigners in Asian countries such as China, it is not generally a requirement for naturalised citizens in many African, European and American countries.
Olaha describes citizenship as a dream
For Olaha, the decision marks the culmination of years spent living and playing in Vietnam.
“I am very happy and delighted to become a Vietnamese citizen,” Olaha said. “I deeply appreciate everyone who has helped me make this dream come true. I promise to give my all to Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC and Vietnamese football.”
Similarly, Lee described receiving Vietnamese nationality as an important personal milestone.
“I am very happy and honored to be granted Vietnamese citizenship,” Williams said. “I cannot thank enough everyone who has accompanied and helped me reach this milestone.”
Other Africans have become Vietnamese citizens
Olaha is not the first African-born person to obtain Vietnamese citizenship after establishing a career in the country.
Nigerian-born Hoang Vu Samson became a Vietnamese citizen in 2013. Reports at the time identified him as the fourth Nigerian footballer to be naturalised in Vietnam, following Dang Amaobi, Hoang Vissai and Dinh Hoang Max.
Dang Amaobi, born Amaobi Honest Uzowuru in Nigeria, received Vietnamese citizenship in 2011 after establishing his career in the country, while Ugandan-born Tran Trung Hieu became a Vietnamese citizen in 2017.
Vietnam widens access for foreign talent
Beyond football, Vietnam has revised its nationality rules to attract foreigners who can contribute to its economy and development.
Under rules introduced in July 2025, applicants generally need sufficient Vietnamese language skills, five years of residence and the means to support themselves. However, special consideration is given to outstanding foreign talent, entrepreneurs and investors.
Vietnam has also eased short-term access for foreign travellers. Since August 2023, citizens of all countries and territories, including those in Africa, have been eligible to apply for e-visas valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry.
Despite the wider e-visa access, ordinary African passport holders are not covered by Vietnam's general unilateral visa-free programme.
Visa-waiver agreements with several African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda, apply to diplomatic or official passports rather than ordinary travellers.
Other travellers can use Vietnam's e-visa system, which costs $25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entry.
