Adnan Aziz: A footballer’s fight against the odds

The journey to becoming a professional footballer has taken Adnan Aziz across four countries, brought him to the brink of International football and tested him with setbacks that have threatened to derail everything he has worked for.

Now, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the Benin-born striker is still chasing a future in the game, while harbouring hopes of wearing the Green and White jersey of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

At 24, Aziz has already experienced the highs of a national-team call-up and the uncertainty of a career interrupted by several failed transfers, and the disappointment of friendships disappearing when life became difficult.

Yet, when he speaks about the future, he’s fierce, not defeated, in his fight to achieve his dreams of playing football at the highest level.

His father is Nigerian, from Saki in Oyo State, while his mother is Beninese. Born in Djougou, northern Benin, Aziz has represented the country at the U23 level, but when asked which national team he would choose if he had the opportunity to decide today, his answer was unequivocal.

“Nigeria has a very special place in my heart. If I were asked today to choose again between Benin and Nigeria, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would make my decision straight from the heart, without looking at anyone else’s opinion,” he told Afrik-Foot.

It is an ambition that gives his journey another dimension. However, before Nigeria became the dream he now speaks about so openly, there was a boy who had to convince his family that football was worth pursuing.

Adnan Aziz: A dream from Benin to Europe

Football was already part of Aziz’s family history. His mother’s younger brothers played in the Beninese local league, and he grew up in a household of six boys with the sport close to their hearts.

The third of six, his younger brother, Aziz Nazifou, is also a footballer, playing for Benin’s second division, AS Police.

Aziz joined Soleil FC in 2014, aged 12. His passion, however, did not immediately win over his Nigerian father, who, like every other Nigerian parent, wants their kids to focus solely on education.

“Like most parents, my parents wanted me to focus on my education and go far in school,” he recalled.

“But eventually, I couldn’t go very far with my studies because football was something I was truly passionate about.”

His father eventually accepted the decision, offering encouragement, advice and blessings to his son on a journey that’ll take him through ebbs and flows.

In 2018, Aziz moved to Italy, joining the U19 side of ninth-tier Pro Cittiglio, where he says he developed his understanding of tactics, positioning and his physique.

France followed, with a move to Angers MFC after he was spotted at a youth tournament. He did not need a trial to earn his place, and being a native French speaker, the transition to life in the country was much easier.

However, his career took a difficult turn in 2020 when a proposed move to a Czech third-division club, FK Králův Dvůr, collapsed.

Aziz had already played six pre-season matches and one competitive fixture before disagreements between the manager and the club’s management ended the arrangement.

Seeing he no longer had a future in Central Europe, Aziz returned to France, joining Olympique Saumur, where his performances helped earn him a call-up to the Benin U23 national team.

One of his teammates at Angers, Doriyane Ndjams, recalled going with the striker to the airport when he got his first invite to the Benin U23 team. The call-up meant a lot to his teammates at the club because they saw the work the youngster put in.

“We saw his dedication with our own eyes. He worked tirelessly, sometimes even late into the night,” he told Afrik-Foot.

“Whether it was raining, snowing or the weather was extremely difficult, Adnan never made excuses. He continued working, pushing himself and doing everything possible to improve as a footballer

“Seeing someone we had watched work so hard finally receive the opportunity to represent his country was a great source of happiness and pride.

The injury that changed everything

After returning to Italy in 2022, Aziz encountered another obstacle. Changes to regulations concerning foreign players delayed his registration at ASD Licata Calcio for three months. He eventually joined ASD Juvenilia Roseto, where he played from 2022 until late 2025.

The young striker, who models his game after 2023 CAF Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, whilst looking up to Junior Olaitan, relies on pace, power and his physicality to get the better of opposition defenders.

After thinking he had picked up just another injury, a scan revealed that Adnan Aziz had suffered a cruciate ligament tear in his right knee, and what followed was gruesome.

“Recovering from knee surgery is never easy. It’s a very challenging process, both physically and mentally.

“The first two months of rehabilitation were the most complicated and difficult part of my recovery. It was a very challenging period.

Challenging it was, as the striker, who left his family and education to chase football across four countries, for the first time, came to terms with quitting the sport he’d sacrificed a decade of his life for.

“Many times [thought about quitting], it has been difficult. I have often thought about giving up, but thanks to the support of my parents and my brothers, I have always found the strength to keep going and never give up.”

Back on his feet after 11 months, the ex-Angers MFC man is working his way up to full fitness in Italy, but his newfound experience changed the way he viewed those he thought to be friends.

“Unfortunately, some friends I thought would be there for me simply disappeared when things became difficult,” he said.

“But that’s life. Sometimes difficult moments reveal people’s true colours and teach you important lessons about friendship, loyalty and trust.”

Amidst the chaos of uncertainty and rehabilitation, Aziz found solace in speaking to family and faith.

“When I feel overwhelmed, I call my mother and my father. They have supported me so much throughout this difficult journey, and they continue to stand by me to this day. I am truly grateful for their love and support.”

His younger brother, Aziz Nazifou, understands the demands of football from his own experience in the Beninese second division. He describes Adnan as a mentally strong person who has continued to guide him despite the difficulties.

“Adnan is not only my big brother but also someone I look up to and learn from. He constantly gives me advice, guides me and shares his experience with me,” Nafizou said.

He witnessed the sacrifices and obstacles his brother has faced, but insists they have not destroyed his determination. If anything, the fact that his brother hasn’t given up yet has given him a reason to press on.

Argentina future and Super Eagles dream

His appearances for Benin have been at U23 level. Under FIFA’s eligibility rules, his youth international appearances do not make him cap-tied to Gernot Rohr’s side.

For now, his preference is clear, but so is the need to rebuild his club career. The striker has set a timeline to return to action in January 2027.

With a trial with Argentine second-division side Chacarita Juniors already in the works, he hopes to travel and get signed, although he’s still on the lookout for other opportunities.

His former teammates from Angers also sent encouraging messages to him, telling the striker to continue working hard and that they still believe in him.

Aziz remains undeterred. Despite the difficulties he’s faced over the past year, he has faith that his dreams will come true.

“I have always kept my faith because I know that, sooner or later, I will return to the pitch and continue living my dream and pursuing my profession as a footballer,” he said.

“I believe that my hard work, patience and determination will pay off one day.”

“I’ve been through a lot, but I haven’t given up on my dream,” he concluded.

Whether or not Argentina becomes his next destination, whether his Nigerian ambition becomes a reality, Adnan Aziz’s journey from Djougou to Europe has shown that nothing will come in the way of the striker’s desire to play.

For a footballer who has spent much of his life trying to earn another chance, the next chapter is still waiting to be written.