12/06/2026
Zadok Abu Yohanna, born on 29 June 2007 and from the Sayawa people, grew up in a humble background where football wasn’t just a hobby but a way out of hardship.
At around 12 or 13, he made a bold move—leaving home and traveling alone to Kaduna in pursuit of his dream. There, he joined Allah Football Academy, starting from the very basics: no proper gear, rough pitches, and playing with pure passion and raw talent.
Just a year ago, he was still an unknown talent in Kaduna, playing street-style football and quietly building his dream. Then his breakthrough came when AIK Stockholm noticed his potential and signed him from Ikon Allah for about €750,000 in 2025. From that moment, everything changed.
Within a short time in Sweden, he began to shine brightly—scoring, assisting, and displaying incredible skill that quickly attracted attention from top European clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Tottenham. Eventually, Brighton & Hove Albion secured his signature in a massive £21.5 million deal, tying him to the club until 2031.
Now at just 18, Zadok’s journey has taken him from the streets and academies of Bauchi and Kaduna to the biggest stage in English football.
It’s not just a transfer story—it’s a powerful rise from humble beginnings to global recognition. A true example of how Nigerian talent, nurtured through local academies, can reach the highest level of world football.
From red earth pitches in Bauchi to the Premier League spotlight in England, his story is a reminder that dreams, when backed with hard work and belief, can truly come alive.
Nigeria has another rising star to be proud of. 🇳🇬
