Why does Abdoul Aziz Nikiema play for Burkina Faso?

Born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso · Citizenship: Burkina Faso, France

Short answer

Abdoul Aziz Nikiema plays for Burkina Faso because he holds Burkinabé nationality and chose to represent the country at senior level (first senior call-up on record: 2001).

Birthplace and citizenship

Abdoul Aziz Nikiema was born in Burkina Faso; holds Burkina Faso and France citizenship.

International career path

His international pathway, as recorded on Wikidata:

  • Burkina Faso — senior level, 2001–2009 (12 matches, 1 goal)

The rules in brief

A player can represent a country if they hold its nationality and have a genuine link to it: birth on its territory, a parent or grandparent born there, or several years of residency. Youth matches do not tie a player to a country. Since 2020, FIFA also lets a player switch once after a small number of senior appearances (no more than three, all before turning 21, none at a World Cup or continental finals) after a three-year wait.

Read our full guide to FIFA eligibility rules →

Frequently asked questions

Why does Abdoul Aziz Nikiema play for Burkina Faso?

Abdoul Aziz Nikiema holds Burkinabé nationality and chose to represent Burkina Faso at senior level.

Where was Abdoul Aziz Nikiema born?

Abdoul Aziz Nikiema was born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

What nationality is Abdoul Aziz Nikiema?

Wikidata lists Abdoul Aziz Nikiema as a citizen of Burkina Faso and France.