Samson Tijani biography: Age, clubs history, & net worth

This is the Samson Tijani biography – a dive into his life and his whole carerer. Tijani is a Nigerian defensive midfielder who has built his career through several clubs in Austria, Norway, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He was once captain of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets and attracted European attention after an impressive performance at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Tijani’s journey has included a move to Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg, loan spells across Europe, an injury setback and a fresh opportunity to establish himself at senior international level.

The midfielder is now looking to make his experience in European football count as he pushes for a more regular role with the Super Eagles under Eric Chelle.

Marvelous Nakamba and Nigeria midfielder Samson Tijani during the Unity Cup London 2026 match. Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodix

Here is everything to know about Samson Tijani, including his age, football career, clubs, estimated net worth and international appearances.

Samson Tijani biography: Age, birthplace and position

Samson Okikiola Tijani was born on 17 May 2002 in Enugu, Nigeria. He is 24 years old as of November 2026.

Tijani is a defensive midfielder who can also operate in central midfield. Standing approximately 1.75m (5ft 9in) tall, he is a right-footed player whose game is built around his ability to compete in midfield and contribute defensively.

He first attracted attention while playing for Nigeria’s U-17 national team, where he captained the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, where Nigeria finished in the quarterfinal.

His performances in that tournament helped him secure a move to Europe, with Red Bull Salzburg signing him in 2020.

Samson Tijani’s clubs history: From Red Bull Salzburg to Slovakia

Tijani’s career has taken him through several European leagues since leaving Nigeria. His move to Austria came shortly after he captained the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 U-17 World Cup.

Samson Tijani biography: RB Salzburg — Samson Tijani RBS. Copyright: ImagoxGEPAxpictures/xMathiasxMandl

Red Bull Salzburg: The move to Europe

In August 2020, Tijani joined Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg from Nigeria. The transfer was a significant step for the young midfielder, who had attracted attention with his performances at youth international level.

However, breaking into Salzburg’s first team proved difficult, and the club opted to send him out on loan to gain competitive experience.

TSV Hartberg: First experience in Austrian football

Tijani joined TSV Hartberg on loan in August 2020 for the 2020-21 season.

The midfielder gained valuable experience in the Austrian Bundesliga, making 18 appearances across all competitions.

His time at Hartberg gave him an opportunity to adapt to senior European football and develop his understanding of the demands of professional midfield play.

Tijani Samson At FC Liefering

After returning to Salzburg, Tijani spent time with FC Liefering, the club’s development side, during the 2021-22 and subsequent period.

He made 16 appearances for Liefering in the Austrian second division, continuing his development while remaining connected to Salzburg’s first-team setup.

Tijani Samson At Wolfsberger AC

Samson Tijani at Wolfsberger. Copyright: ImagoxGEPAxpictures/xAmirxBeganovic

In August 2023, Tijani joined Wolfsberger AC on loan, giving him another opportunity to establish himself in the Austrian Bundesliga.

This proved to be one of the more productive spells of his European career. He played football regularly, making 28 league appearances and scoring once during the 2023-24 campaign.

His performances gave an indication of his potential, particularly after earlier periods in which injuries and competition for places had limited his opportunities.

Fredrikstad: A move to Norway

In September 2024, Tijani moved to Norwegian side Fredrikstad on loan until the end of the year.

The transfer gave him an opportunity to experience another European league, although his time in Norway was relatively brief.

He made four senior appearances for the club before returning to Salzburg in January 2025.

Dukla Prague: A new beginning in the Czech Republic

Samson Tijani of Dukla Prague. Photo by: ImagoxBranislav Racko

In July 2025, Tijani left Red Bull Salzburg and joined Czech club Dukla Prague on a permanent transfer.

The move ended his five-year association with the Austrian giants and offered him an opportunity to rebuild his career away from the club where he had initially struggled to secure regular first-team football.

He went on to make 30 appearances for Dukla Prague before another move provided a new challenge.

New super eagles invitee Samson Tijani https://t.co/KF73O9VAdL
— Football Einstein (@Africa_ftbl) May 20, 2026

Podbrezová: Tijani’s latest club

In September 2026, Tijani moved to Slovak side FK Železiarne Podbrezová on loan from Dukla Prague for the 2026-27 season.

His latest transfer also places him in Slovakia, adding another country to a European career that has already included Austria, Norway and the Czech Republic.

Samson Tijani injury: Broken leg and lengthy spell on the sidelines

Samson Tijani is disappointed. Copyright: ImagoxGEPAxpictures/xMaticxKlansek

Samson Tijani has endured a major injury setback during his professional career, with a serious leg injury at Red Bull Salzburg disrupting his development in European football.

The Nigerian midfielder suffered fractures to his tibia and fibula during a pre-season friendly against Feyenoord on 9 July 2022. Red Bull Salzburg confirmed the diagnosis the following day, revealing that the injury would keep him out for an extended period. FC Red Bull Salzburg

Tijani subsequently underwent surgery and spent a year recovering from the injury. Due to his injury, he missed 50 games that year for club and country.

The setback interrupted his progress at Salzburg, where he had been hoping to establish himself in the senior team after gaining experience with TSV Hartberg and FC Liefering.

He also had shorter injury absences in the 21/22 and 24/25 seasons. The 21/22 season injury kept Tijani sidelined for 82 days, while he spent two months off the pitch in the 24/25 season due to injury.

Despite these setbacks, Tijani has continued his career in Europe, moving to Dukla Prague in 2025 before joining Slovakia’s Podbrezová on loan in September 2026.

What position does Samson Tijani play?

Samson Tijani and Thierno Ballo at Wolfsberger. Copyright: ImagoxGEPAxpictures/xPhilippxBrem

Tijani primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, although he can also feature in central midfield.

His role involves protecting the back four, competing for possession and helping his team transition from defence to attack.

His experience across different European leagues has also exposed him to different tactical approaches and midfield responsibilities.

Samson Tijani’s net worth and salary

Samson Tijani’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed. There are no sufficiently reliable financial records confirming his total wealth, personal investments or career earnings.

However, his professional contracts with Red Bull Salzburg, Dukla Prague and other European clubs have provided him with opportunities to earn a living from football.

His market value is at approximately €350,000 in November 2026.

Samson Tijani and the Super Eagles: International caps

Samson Tijani at te U17 World Cup for Nigeria. Copyright: ImagoxHeulerxAndrey

Tijani’s international career began with Nigeria’s youth teams before he earned his first senior invitation.

He captained the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, where Nigeria reached the round of 16.

One of his standout performances came in the opening group match against Hungary, when he scored twice in a 4-2 victory.

His performances at the tournament helped establish his reputation as one of Nigeria’s promising young midfielders.

When did Samson Tijani make his Super Eagles debut?

Tijani made his senior debut for Nigeria on 9 October 2020 in a friendly against Algeria.

He featured in the encounter, which the Super Eagles lost 1-0, marking the beginning of his senior international career.

However, opportunities reduced after that because he was not playing regular football for any club. But earlier this year, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle called him up to the team. He played for Nigeria at the 2026 Unity Cup, featuring against Zimbabwe and Jamaica. So as it stands, he has earned three national team caps.

Samson Tijani earns another Super Eagles opportunity

Marvelous Nakamba and Nigeria midfielder Samson Tijani. Copyright: xToyinxOshodix PSI-24339-0018

In November 2026, Tijani received another opportunity to impress after Eric Chelle included him in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Tanzania.

The invitation was significant for the midfielder, who had spent several years trying to re-establish himself in the national team picture.

He was expected to compete for a midfield position alongside established internationals such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

The Tanzania fixtures, scheduled for 13 and 17 November, gives him an opportunity to add to his international appearances.

Frequently asked questions about Samson Tijani

Who is Samson Tijani?

Samson Tijani is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for FK Železiarne Podbrezová on loan from Dukla Prague.

How old is Samson Tijani?

He was born on 17 May 2002 and is 24 years old as of November 2026.

Where was Samson Tijani born?

He was born in Enugu, Nigeria.

Which clubs has Samson Tijani played for?

His senior club career has included Red Bull Salzburg, TSV Hartberg, FC Liefering, Wolfsberger AC, Fredrikstad, Dukla Prague and FK Železiarne Podbrezová.