Unity Cup: AIK share crucial update on Zadok Yohanna’s invitation to Super Eagles

Swedish giants AIK have clarified the status of Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna following his invitation to the Super Eagles for the 2026 Unity Cup, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announced his squad for the tournament on Wednesday, with Yohanna named as one of 12 debutants.

The call-up came as no surprise given his impressive start to life at AIK, where he has racked up two goals and three assists in just seven league appearances.

His eye-catching displays have even linked the 18-year-old—who turns 19 next month—to European heavyweights like RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen, and Real Madrid.

​With such immense talent, Yohanna was widely expected to take the Unity Cup by storm and solidify his place in the national team.

However, shortly after the squad announcement, doubts emerged regarding his availability. Because the Unity Cup (running from May 26–30) falls outside the official FIFA international calendar, AIK are under no legal obligation to release him and view him as too vital to lose during the ongoing domestic season.

​Super Eagles Get Zadok Yohanna Update From AIK

​When initially questioned on Wednesday about Yohanna’s participation, AIK Recruitment Manager Miika Takkula noted that management would meet internally to make a decision.

​Following that meeting, the club announced their final stance on Thursday. In an official communique released on their website, AIK confirmed they will retain the youngster as he rehabilitates from an injury and prepares for upcoming club fixtures.

​”AIK Football is proud of Zadok Yohanna for his selection to the Nigerian national team for the upcoming Unity Cup in London,” the club stated.

​”However, Zadok is currently in a crucial final stage of his rehabilitation. The club has therefore decided not to release him for national team duty this time. The decision is based partly on his recovery process, but also on sporting reasons, as Zadok is an important player for AIK Football. We look forward to seeing Zadok represent the Nigerian national team in the future.”

​According to a report by Swedish outlet Expressen, the decision was also influenced by a bureaucratic oversight: the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reportedly failed to officially contact AIK prior to announcing the squad.

​Following this setback, Coach Chelle must now decide whether to call up a late replacement or proceed with the remaining 26 players on his roster.