AIK set to block Real Madrid-linked Yohanna from dream Super Eagles debut vs Zimbabwe

Swedish side AIK could deny teenage winger Zadok Yohanna the chance to make his long-awaited debut for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Afrik-Foot reports.

This development comes after a top AIK official confirmed that they are still considering whether to release the talented youngster for the 2026 Unity Cup in London.

The 18-year-old attacker, who has recently been linked with Real Madrid, Rennes, Chelsea and several other European clubs, has been one of the brightest young players in Sweden this season. Yohanna has scored two goals and provided three assists in seven league matches for AIK, form that convinced Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle to hand him a first senior Nigeria call-up.

But with the Unity Cup falling outside FIFA’s official international calendar, AIK are not obliged to release the winger for Nigeria’s semi-final clash against Zimbabwe on May 26.

Based on that, AIK recruitment manager Miika Takkula confirmed that the club had received Nigeria’s invitation letter but said a final decision would only come after internal discussions.

AIKs Zadok Yohanna. JONATHANxNÄCKSTRANDxImago

“We have received the official invitation,” Takkula said as per Fotbollskanalen. “Tomorrow we will go through it internally and then make a decision. We also have matches. We will go through it and then make a decision.”

The AIK official also stressed that the Swedish club still had full control over the situation because the tournament does not fall under an official FIFA release period.

“We will go through it internally tomorrow and get a complete picture of everything. Then, as you mention, we have every right to keep him here. It is not an official date (national team date in the international calendar) and I think it is in our hands.”

Nigeria, winners of the 2025 Unity Cup, will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final, while Jamaica and India meet in the other last-four tie.

AIKs Zadok Yohanna. Copyright: JESPERxZERMANxImago

Super Eagles: Chukwueze under Yohanna pressure

Yohanna’s possible absence would be a major setback for Chelle, who wants to use the Unity Cup as a tactical testing ground ahead of future international competitions.

The Super Eagles coach has already made it clear that no player’s position is guaranteed, especially on the right wing where Samuel Chukwueze now faces serious competition.

Chelle’s high-pressing 4-4-2 system demands aggressive defensive work, quick transitions and direct attacking runs. While Chukwueze remains dangerous in one-on-one situations, his tendency to slow attacks and cut inside has raised questions about whether he fully fits the coach’s fast vertical style.

That tactical shift opened the door for new faces like Femi Azeez and Yohanna.

Femi Azeez Of Millwall. Copyright: xIMAGO/LeexKeunekex/xEveryxSecondxMediax

Azeez arrives from Millwall FC after producing 11 goals and seven assists in 35 appearances. The 24-year-old was also named in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season after impressing with his relentless pressing, defensive discipline and attacking output.

Yohanna, meanwhile, has been described by many observers as the tournament’s wildcard. The AIK teenager has earned attention for his fearless dribbling, explosive pace and intelligent diagonal runs into the penalty area.

However, there are still concerns over his fitness after a recent hamstring and thigh problem in Sweden. AIK’s medical team are believed to be cautious about exposing the youngster to too many minutes during a busy part of the season.

Chelle could decide to call-up a replacement should AIK deny Yohanna the chance to team up with the Super Eagles in London.