Super Eagles: Three clubs best placed to sign Abdullahi Bewene this summer

Super Eagles defender Abdullahi Bewene appears likely to leave Banik Ostrava this summer after the Czech club admitted they are already preparing for life without the Nigerian, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign, establishing himself as one of the Czech top flight’s standout right-backs.

His rise has accelerated over the past two months. After earning his first Super Eagles call-up under Eric Chelle and impressing on his debut against Poland before featuring against Portugal, Bewene has attracted interest from several clubs looking to strengthen at right-back.

What has been said about Abdullahi Bewene’s future?

Banik Ostrava head coach Roman Skuhravý has now acknowledged that a transfer could simply be a matter of time.

Speaking via Infotbal, Skuhravý admitted the club had already begun succession planning by signing Slovak full-back Matúš Kmeť.

“We definitely have to think about the fact that sooner or later an offer will come for Bewene and we need a replacement,” the 51-year-old said.

“I believe that Matúš will use the opportunity he got here and help us.”

Those comments came shortly after reports claimed Czech champions Slavia Prague had submitted a €2 million bid for the Nigerian defender.

With Banik now openly anticipating his departure, several clubs appear well-positioned to secure one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising talents.

Why Slavia Prague remain the favourites

Slavia Prague currently look like the most logical destination. The Czech champions have already demonstrated concrete interest by submitting a €2 million offer, something none of Bewene’s other admirers have matched.

More importantly, the move fits Slavia’s long-established recruitment model. The Prague giants regularly identify the best performers from smaller Czech clubs before developing them further through European competition.

Bewene would also enter an environment where his adaptation period would be minimal. He already understands the Czech league; language barriers would be less significant than elsewhere in Europe, and his performances suggest he is ready for a step up without leaving the country entirely.

Abdullahi Bewene – what you need to know about the Super eagles debutant 🦅🇳🇬🔥

Not every player arrives with fanfare. Some quietly do the work and bide their time – that is exactly the story of Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene.

Born in Jos, Bewene began his football journey at TBC… pic.twitter.com/uJ3tOVDBcg

— Super Eagles Supporters Club (@official_esclub) June 4, 2026

Champions League football would provide another major attraction, giving the youngster regular exposure against elite opposition while strengthening his chances of remaining in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles plans ahead of the 2027 AFCON.

Why Viktoria Plzeň could challenge

Viktoria Plzeň have been previously linked with Bewene and arguably offer a similarly attractive project.

Like Slavia, Plzeň compete regularly for domestic honours and European qualification, making them an appealing destination for ambitious young players.

The club’s reputation for developing young talent could particularly benefit Bewene, whose game continues to evolve after converting from midfield into a modern attacking full-back.

Unlike moving to one of Europe’s top five leagues immediately, Plzeň would likely guarantee consistent first-team football while allowing him to continue developing in familiar surroundings.

Belgium Pro League may be the perfect stepping stone

Perhaps the most intriguing option lies outside the Czech Republic altogether. Belgian clubs have consistently provided one of Europe’s strongest pathways for African talent, particularly Nigerian players.

Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu and William Troost-Ekong all had spells in the Belgian league before making their big-money moves.

Bewene’s profile suits that market perfectly. At 21, with senior international experience and proven versatility across right-back, wing-back and midfield, he fits the recruitment strategy employed by clubs such as Genk, Union Saint-Gilloise and Club Brugge.

Belgium’s emphasis on technical development, attacking player and youth progression could accelerate his growth even further before an eventual move to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Unlike an immediate transfer to England, Germany or Italy, Belgium would offer a smoother transition while still placing him firmly in the shop window for bigger clubs.