Seven home-based players wey Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle invite for di Unity Cup defence don leave Abuja dis morning go London. Di delegation, wey include di players, backroom staff, and NFF officials, go fly through Morocco before dem reach di UK.
Di mini-tournament go hold from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley stadium for London. Di Super Eagles dey go defend di cup wey dem win last time.
NFF sources confirm last night say di whole entourage go hit London via Morocco. Earlier on Wednesday, Chelle unveil im 27-man squad wey get mix of fresh call-ups and experienced players.
Di Super Eagles go open dia campaign on Tuesday against Zimbabwe’s Warriors. After dat, dem go face di winner between Jamaica and India for di same venue.
But one of di promising stars wey Chelle invite don get rejection from im Swedish club. AIK Stockholm confirm yesterday say Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna, wey be 18 years old, no go release am to NFF for di Unity Cup. Dis one be big blow to Chelle plans.
Yohanna, wey be one of Nigeria’s brightest emerging talents for Europe, don earn place for di Super Eagles squad. But AIK cite medical and sporting reasons behind dia decision, as di player dey continue from injury recovery.
Di Swedish club make di announcement on dia official website, stressing dia support for di player despite im absence from national team duty dis month. AIK statement say: “AIK Football dey proud of Zadok Yohanna wey dem select for Nigerian national team for dia participation for Unity Cup for London. But Zadok dey for important final stage of im rehabilitation and di club don therefore decide not to release am for national team duty dis time.”
Meanwhile, Yohanna don dey attract serious attention from several clubs across Europe’s top five leagues for recent months. Di 18-year-old winger become regular for AIK Stockholm dis season, delivering brilliant performances. E no just be about im two goals and three assists for seven Allsvenskan appearances. Di young Nigerian don dey electric with di ball at im feet—adept at dribbling and entirely fearless against defenders.
Aside from di transfer links, Yohanna also recently earn im first Super Eagles call-up, although AIK refuse to release am for international duty. There be strong possibility say Yohanna go secure major move during summer transfer window.
According to recent report by Live Foot, Rennes dey seriously consider move for Yohanna. Dem view di Nigerian youngster as di next “Ademola Lookman” and dey fully willing to invest for im potential. Di Red and Blacks be renowned as developmental club wey dey invest for young talent and sell dem once dem reach stardom. Prime example na Jérémy Doku, wey dem buy from Anderlecht for €26 million for 2020 and later sell to Manchester City for €60 million.
Stade Rennais believe say Yohanna fit follow similar path for short period, which be why dem ready to make significant financial commitment. For di youngster, dis appear to be ideal destination. Joining Rennes go allow am to develop without di intense pressure and blinding spotlight of elite heavyweight club.
But if Rennes want to secure im signature, dem go need to move quickly. Competitors like RB Leipzig dey also lurk, offering another excellent environment for growth where e fit rub shoulders with world-class players.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
