AIK provides new update onZadok Yohanna ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup

3 weeks ago 6

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Nigerian teenager Zadok Yohanna sustained an injury scare during AIK’s 4‑2 loss to Djurgården in the Swedish Allsvenskan on Sunday, Afrik‑Foot reports.

The 18‑year‑old has quickly become one of Europe’s most promising young talents and is already drawing interest from several major clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, including Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Chelsea and Ajax Amsterdam.

Concerns arose after he was forced to leave the field at halftime because he felt discomfort during AIK’s defeat, which marked the team’s third loss in eight league matches and left them ninth in the table.

AIK fell two goals behind early in the game, but appeared poised for a comeback when Yohanna supplied the assist for Kevin Boubacar’s goal, reducing the deficit and marking the Nigerian’s third league assist of the season.

Nigeria and AIK teen talent Zadok Yohanna.

Despite his influence in the first half, the 18‑year‑old could not continue after the break and was replaced by Victor Andersson at halftime. AIK struggled without him in the second half and ultimately suffered another disappointing defeat.

Jose Riveiro plays down injury concerns over Zadok Yohanna

Yohanna’s assist against Djurgården raised his total goal contributions in the Swedish league this season to five in eight appearances. It also marked his second consecutive match with a direct involvement, enhancing his prospects of receiving a first call‑up to the Super Eagles ahead of the Unity Cup.

After the game, AIK head coach Jose Riveiro downplayed worries about the youngster’s condition and indicated that he could be available for the next fixture against Västerås.

“I don’t know anything about his injury. Am I worried? I can’t be worried about an injury I know nothing about,” Riveiro said after the match.

Yohanna also tried to allay concerns, explaining that he was withdrawn as a precaution to prevent any aggravation of the problem.

“I felt a bit of pain, but it’s not a serious injury. They took me off because they didn’t want to risk anything,” Yohanna said.

“If they had allowed it, I would have wanted to keep playing, but they said no. They didn’t want to make the situation worse.”

Super Eagles handed major Yohanna boost ahead of Unity Cup

The highly rated youngster Zadok Yohanna is strongly tipped to join Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London as the Super Eagles aim to defend the title they secured in 2025.

His prospects of earning a first call‑up were reinforced after head coach Eric Chelle announced that fresh faces and other fringe players would be given opportunities to represent the national side.

Although there were concerns that his injury against Djurgården might jeopardise his selection, the latest updates indicate that he remains eligible for inclusion.

For now, the Nigerian winger will concentrate on regaining full fitness and maintaining his strong form for AIK as he prepares for a pivotal summer, with several top European clubs reportedly monitoring his progress.

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Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF‑accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.