Zadok Yohanna, the 18-year-old Nigerian forward on loan at AIK from FC Nordsjælland, will not be called up to the Nigeria squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London, according to AIK’s recruitment manager Miika Takkula. Despite earlier reports in Nigerian media suggesting the teenager had received an official invitation, both Yohanna and AIK have denied the claims. The tournament, set to take place at the Valley in London, is being prepared by head coach Eric Chelle, and invitation letters have already been sent to the selected players, confirming Yohanna’s exclusion.
Takkula confirmed that there has been no official communication from the Nigerian Football Federation regarding a call-up for Yohanna. He told Fotbollskanalen, “Actually, there has been no official communication about it whatsoever. I heard a week or so ago that they were going to present their list. Since then I haven’t heard anything.” This statement underscores the lack of formal engagement between AIK and the Nigerian football authorities concerning Yohanna’s potential inclusion.
Yohanna’s absence from the squad is also due to a hamstring injury sustained during AIK’s 4-2 defeat to Djurgården in the first half of the match. The injury has ruled him out of the team’s subsequent fixture against Västerås SK, and AIK’s management is taking a cautious approach to prevent any long-term damage. With the young forward already attracting interest from top European clubs, the club is prioritizing his recovery over immediate return to action.
The 18-year-old has made a strong impression in the Allsvenskan this season, registering two goals and three assists in just seven appearances. His performances have highlighted his potential as a future star, and his development has been closely watched by scouts across Europe. However, his current injury status and the lack of official interest from the Nigerian national team mean he will not feature in the Unity Cup.
Despite the setback, Yohanna remains a key prospect for Nigeria’s future. His continued progress at AIK, coupled with his growing reputation, positions him as a player to watch in the coming years. As the Super Eagles continue to build for future tournaments, Yohanna’s journey will be one of the many stories to follow in Nigeria’s quest for football excellence.
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