NIGERIA: Saraki Celebrates Nigerian Teenager Zadok Yohanna’s £21.5 Million Move To Brighton

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has hailed the remarkable rise of 18-year-old Nigerian footballer Zadok Yohanna after the youngster reportedly signed for English Premier League club Brighton in a £21.5 million deal.

In a statement on Sunday, Saraki described Yohanna’s journey as powerful proof of the potential of Nigerian youth when given opportunities. Born in Bauchi, Yohanna moved alone to Kaduna as a young boy to pursue his football dream. Less than a year after relocating to Sweden, he has attracted interest from top European clubs, eventually signing with Brighton.

“Think about that for a moment. A teenager from northern Nigeria, armed with little more than talent, discipline and determination, has forced his way into one of the most competitive talent markets on earth,” Saraki wrote.

The former Senate President, who has long advocated for sports as a vehicle for youth development, said stories like Yohanna’s reinforce his belief in investing in young people. He noted that while not every child will become a professional footballer, talent exists across Nigeria and only requires opportunity, structure, support, and belief.

Saraki referenced his establishment of the Kwara Football Academy and ABS FC, which have produced talents such as Dennis Emmanuel Bonaventure, Olusegun Oakunle, Benjamin Frederick, Mubarak Gata, David Okoromi, and others now playing professionally both locally and internationally.

He urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, and the National Institute for Sports to create an enabling environment for more football academies to discover and nurture talents like Yohanna, especially as global attention turns to Nigeria as a football powerhouse in Africa.

Saraki concluded by encouraging young Nigerians chasing seemingly impossible dreams to persevere, stating that their current circumstances do not have to define their future. He also congratulated Yohanna, advising him to remain grounded and focused as he begins his new chap

ter in England.