Vietnam has granted citizenship to a Nigerian-born footballer and a British-born player who have established their careers in the Southeast Asian country, with both adopting Vietnamese names following their naturalisation.
Nigerian-born Michael Olaha and British-born Williams Lee received their citizenship decisions from Vietnam’s State President at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Justice on September 18, according to Tuoi Tre News.
Olaha, who was born in Nigeria in 1997, will now be known by the Vietnamese name Olaha Manh Duc, while Lee, who was born in Britain in 2007, has adopted the name Williams Minh Hoang.
Vietnamese nationality law requires people applying for naturalisation to have a Vietnamese name. Applicants are allowed to choose the names themselves.
The two footballers currently play for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC, and their new citizenship means the club can register them as domestic players instead of foreigners.
Their naturalisation could also open the door for both men to represent Vietnam at international level. Lee has already received his first call-up to the Vietnamese national team.
Olaha is the latest African-born footballer to receive Vietnamese citizenship as the country continues to grant nationality to foreigners whose skills and contributions are considered beneficial to its national interests.
The adoption of local names is also seen in some other Asian countries, including China, although obtaining a local name is generally not a legal requirement for naturalised citizens in many African, European and American countries.
Olaha Calls Citizenship A Dream
Olaha expressed his excitement after receiving Vietnamese nationality, describing the development as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.
“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.”
Lee also welcomed the decision, describing the acquisition of Vietnamese citizenship as a significant moment in his life.
“I am very happy and honored to be granted Vietnamese citizenship,” Williams said. “I cannot thank everyone enough who has accompanied and helped me reach this milestone.”
Other Africans Naturalised In Vietnam
Olaha is not the first African-born footballer to obtain Vietnamese citizenship after building a career in the country.
Nigerian-born Hoang Vu Samson became a Vietnamese citizen in 2013. At the time, reports identified him as the fourth Nigerian footballer to receive Vietnamese nationality, following Dang Amaobi, Hoang Vissai and Dinh Hoang Max.
Dang Amaobi, whose Nigerian birth name was Amaobi Honest Uzowuru, was granted Vietnamese citizenship in 2011 after establishing himself professionally in the country.
Ugandan-born Tran Trung Hieu also became a Vietnamese citizen in 2017.
Vietnam Opens Citizenship Pathway To Foreign Talent
Vietnam has in recent years adjusted its nationality rules as part of efforts to attract foreigners with skills and resources that could contribute to the country’s development.
Under rules introduced in July 2025, naturalisation applicants are generally required to demonstrate sufficient Vietnamese language ability, have lived in the country for five years and be able to support themselves.
However, exceptions and special consideration are available for outstanding foreign talent, entrepreneurs and investors.
Vietnam has also expanded access for foreign visitors through its electronic visa system. Since August 2023, citizens of all countries and territories, including African countries, have been able to apply for e-visas valid for up to 90 days, with options for single or multiple entry.
However, ordinary African passport holders are not included in Vietnam’s general unilateral visa-free arrangements.
Visa-waiver agreements with some African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda, apply to diplomatic or official passport holders rather than ordinary travellers.
Other eligible visitors can apply through Vietnam’s e-visa system, which costs $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for multiple entry.
