By Andrew Abah, Abuja
Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association, Patrick Pascal, has congratulated Nigerian youngster, Zadok Yohanna following his recent transfer to English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pascal also commended football manager of Ikon Allah, who facilitated the deal, describing the move as a major milestone for the player and a testament to the abundance of football talent in Bauchi State.
The former Nigerian international and current Super Eagles Coordinator noted that Brighton has built a strong reputation for identifying and developing young players, expressing confidence that Yohanna would thrive both at the club and in the English Premier League.
According to Pascal, he was excited when Ikon Allah first informed him several years ago about a promising 15-year-old talent from Bauchi who had the potential to make a significant impact in football.
“When Ikon Allah told me some years back that he had identified a then 15-year-old player in Bauchi State who was on the verge of making a maximum impact in the game, I was delighted because we have an abundance of talents in Bauchi waiting to be discovered. This is largely due to the various grassroots football programmes organised in the state,” Pascal said.
The football administrator advised the 18-year-old winger to remain focused, disciplined and committed to his development as he embarks on a new chapter in his career.
Yohanna recently agreed to join Brighton from Swedish club AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 2031.
Brighton secured the services of the highly-rated Nigerian prospect despite competition from several top clubs, including Newcastle United, Chelsea, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, all of whom had monitored the youngster’s progress.
Pascal expressed optimism that Yohanna’s success would inspire more young footballers in Bauchi State and across Nigeria to pursue their dreams through hard work, dedication and discipline.
