Super Eagles news: Zadok Yohanna joins elite list after Brighton breakthrough

Super Eagles invitee Zadok Yohanna has enjoyed a remarkable rise in his career over the past year, moving from Swedish side AIK to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.

The teenager began his football journey at Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria before moving to Sweden in 2025 to continue his development with AIK Stockholm.

He did not need long to make an impression in the Swedish league, using his qualities to become one of AIK’s most important players.

Yohanna’s performances soon attracted interest from several clubs across Europe earlier in the summer, with Brighton eventually winning the race for his signature ahead of the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and several Bundesliga sides.

The Premier League club completed the move in a deal worth up to €30 million plus add-ons, making it the most expensive sale in the history of the Swedish league.

His growth has now been reflected in his market value, putting him in some elite company among Africa’s young talents.

Zadok Yohanna: Where does Nigerian youngster rank among Africa’s most valuable U-20 stars?

According to the latest market values from Transfermarkt, Yohanna is now ranked among Africa’s five most valuable players under the age of 20.

The Super Eagles invitee has a market value of €18 million after enjoying a rapid rise, placing him joint-fourth in the rankings.

Only three players are ahead of him. Ivory Coast teenage sensation Yan Diomande leads the list with a market value of €90 million. Diomande, who moved to Real Madrid from RB Leipzig in the summer in a deal worth up to €140 million plus add-ons, is also the most valuable African footballer after his record-breaking transfer.

Manchester City young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi follows Diomande with a market value of €80 million, while Senegalese youngster Ibrahim Mbaye is valued at €30 million.

Yohanna, alongside Kader Meite and Sidiki Cherif, are valued at €18 million, putting them in joint-fourth on the standings. 

Super Eagles invitee eyes impact at Brighton

The next challenge for Yohanna is to become a more regular player at Brighton after making another big leap in his career.

While the youngster could be allowed to leave on loan before returning to Brighton at a later stage, he could also fight for a place in the team alongside fellow Nigerian star Femi Azeez, who joined Brighton on deadline day in a deal worth just over £15 million.

Yohanna has made just a few appearances for Brighton before he suffered an injury and he will be hoping to show what he can add to the squad whenever he gets another opportunity.

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has also revealed what the club expects from the young Nigerian forward as he continues his adaptation to English football.

Eric Chelle included the youngster in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, although an injury prevented him from making his senior debut at the tournament.

Yohanna also missed out on the Super Eagles recent games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau with injury and will now be pushing for a place in Chelle’s squad when Nigeria return to action in November in continuation of their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.