Pecohub 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, has adopted the Vietnamese name Olaha Manh Duc, while Lee, born in Britain in 2007, will now be known as Williams Minh Hoang.
Vietnamese law requires naturalisation applicants to have a Vietnamese name, which they are allowed to choose themselves.
Both men play for Cong An Ho Chi Minh City FC, and their new citizenship allows the club to register them as domestic rather than foreign players.
Their naturalisation could also make them eligible to represent Vietnam internationally, with Lee already receiving his first call-up to the national team.
Olaha becomes the latest African to acquire Vietnamese nationality as the country increasingly grants citizenship to foreigners whose skills are considered beneficial to its national interests.
While some foreigners in Asian countries such as China also adopt local names, the practice is generally not a legal requirement for naturalised citizens in many African, European and American countries.
Olaha describes citizenship as a dream
“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.
