Transfer: Spain, Portugal & other African clubs eye 19-year-old Flying Eagles star

Several clubs in Spain, Portugal and across Africa are monitoring Flying Eagles left-back Odinaka Okoro, Afrik Foot NG reports.

This follows the impressive performances of the 19-year-old for Nigeria’s U-20 national team and at the club level.

“Spain, Portugal, other African countries for now,” a source told Afrik Foot NG when asked about the player’s growing list of suitors. This suggests that scouting and preliminary talks are already underway.

Odinaka Okoro’s rise with the Flying Eagles & Sporting Lagos

Okoro’s reputation has grown steadily since 2024, when he featured prominently for the Flying Eagles in regional competitions.

His breakthrough came in 2025 at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he delivered consistent displays, supported the attack from left-back and earned Group Stage Best XI recognition.

Flying Eagles defender Odinaka Okoro — Odinaka Okoro. Photo by Jonnathan Oyarzun/IMAGO

The left-footed defender is known for his recovery runs and overlapping ability, qualities that have also earned him minutes for the Sporting Lagos FC senior team in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

An @SLFCAcademy player in the squad for the first time! 🤩

Welcome to the NPFL, Odinaka Okoro ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/S6xQML0ECd
— Sporting Lagos (@SportingLagos) April 7, 2024

Transfer interest from Spain, Portugal and African clubs

Sources close to the situation reveal that although no official bid has been submitted, interest from Spanish and Portuguese clubs is genuine.

Portuguese sides, in particular, are believed to see Okoro as a long-term development project with strong resale value.

Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, Divine Uchechukwu Oliseh and Odinaka Emmanuel Okoro of Flying Eagles — Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, Divine Uchechukwu Oliseh and Odinaka Emmanuel Okoro of Nigeria. Photo by Ugbodaga Irabor/IMAGO

Clubs in Africa are also monitoring his progress ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with scouts continuing to track his performances at the club level.

Okoro remains focused on his club and international duties, but his consistent rise over the last two seasons suggests a move abroad could be imminent.

Should negotiations advance, the teenage defender could soon become the latest Nigerian youngster after Yusuf Abdullahi to secure a pathway into European football.