Sani Suleiman is the name on everyone lips following the conclusion of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, as his story is like that of of a star who had been patiently waiting to break through.
Suleiman rose to prominence in Nigerian football with impressive displays for Akwa United as they beat the drop and has now, according to reports, secured a move to Slovakian side AS Trencin. The Slovakian club have a history of nurturing Nigerian talents, including Moses Simon, Hilary Gong, Samuel Kalu, and Jesse Akila.
Here is everything you need to know about the 17-year-old starlet set to explode in the years to come.
Early career, challenges & breakthrough
Suleiman began his journey with Wikki Tourists in the Nigeria National League, the second division of Nigerian football. Despite his immense talent, he was not a regular starter, overshadowed by more established players like Nasiru Jibril.
The 17-year-old’s role in the team was peripheral, and his opportunities were limited.
During the NPFL mid-season break, a phone call and a few persuasive words convinced Suleiman to leave Bauchi and join struggling 2019 NPFL champions Akwa United in Uyo.
This move would not only help Akwa United avoid relegation but also catapult Suleiman into the spotlight.
In his debut top-flight season, Suleiman made an immediate impact.
He scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 19 games, making him the fifth-highest goal scorer in the league.
His impressive goal-per-game ratio earned him the ‘Rookie of the Year' award at the prestigious League Bloggers Awards.
8 things you probably didn't know about Sani Suleiman
- Early Discovery: Suleiman was discovered on the streets of Makurdi before moving to the Golden Boot Soccer (GBS) Academy in Jos. This academy has produced notable players like Ahmed Musa, Hilary Gong, Moses Simon, Kingsley Madu, Maduka Udeh, Aliko Bala, and Peter Eneji.
- Top-Flight Debut: Suleiman’s first NPFL game was against the champions Rangers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. He won a penalty (missed by Ubong Friday) and hit the post, although Rangers won 1-0.
- Goal-Scoring Streak: The 17-year-old achieved the best goal-scoring streak in the recently concluded season, with six goals in seven games.
- Nickname: During his grassroots days, Suleiman was nicknamed ‘Maye,’ which means ‘wizard’ in Hausa.
- Favourite Boots: His preferred football boots are the Adidas X FG boots.
- Man of the Match: In the 19 games he played for Akwa United, he was voted Man of the Match on seven occasions.
- Player of the Month: Suleiman won the Player of the Month award for March from the League Bloggers Award.
- Suleiman has the highest number of goal contributions for any U20 player in the past NPFL season
