Why Zadok Yohanna’s recent Brighton transfer is bad news for Samuel Chukwueze

Super Eagles prospect Zadok Yohanna recently completed a transfer from AIK Stockholm to Brighton, and that might indirectly affect Samuel Chukwueze’s involvement with Nigeria in a few months, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Yohanna’s €28 million move sets a new record as the most expensive transfer for a Nigerian player under the age of 20, while also becoming the most lucrative sale in the history of the Swedish club.

​Given his explosive form over the last six months, Brighton serves as an ideal platform for the youngster to ascend to even greater heights.

Before finalizing his move to the Seagulls, Yohanna attracted significant interest from elite clubs, including Chelsea, RB Leipzig, and Newcastle United.

​Brighton offers Yohanna the perfect environment to develop his game, providing the stability required for a young talent to flourish without the intense pressure often found at larger clubs.

​NFF Stepping Up Pursuit

​As his club career prepares to reach new heights, Yohanna’s international future with the Super Eagles may also be taking shape. Though Eric Chelle called him up for the Unity Cup last month, AIK initially blocked the move.

​However, it is clear the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is heavily invested in securing the 18-year-old’s international commitment.

In an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, former NFF president Amaju Pinnick confirmed that the federation is keeping a close watch on his progress.

​”Watch out for Yohanna. I personally did a review on him; the boy who has gone to Brighton is the future,” Pinnick stated. “The NFF is monitoring and talking to him, so the future looks very bright.”

​Does This Spell Trouble for Samuel Chukwueze?

​While Amaju Pinnick did not explicitly mention Samuel Chukwueze, his public enthusiasm for Yohanna suggests that the senior winger’s position in the Super Eagles squad may be under threat.

​Despite the immense promise he showed as a youngster, Chukwueze has yet to fully realize his potential at 27.

Too often, his performances for the national team have fallen short of expectations, leading to his recent loss of a regular starting spot.

​The emergence of Yohanna only complicates matters for Chukwueze. The teenager brings a dynamic profile—he is quick, a brilliant dribbler, and a good shooter.

More importantly, Yohanna appears to be a more direct threat than his older colleague. If he can adapt quickly to the Premier League at Brighton, he will almost certainly be a contender for the Super Eagles squad when the qualifiers resume in September.