At just 20, Israel Ayuma, who mirrors John Mikel Obi and Paul Pogba, has emerged as one of Nigeria’s brightest young midfielders, Soccernet.ng exclusively reports.
The Flying Eagles star is calm in possession, composed under pressure, and not afraid to dictate play against some of the world’s best U-20 sides.
However, for all, there are also stories of his struggles and loss of hope, which all began on the streets of Warri, Delta State, and have taken him all the way to NK Istra 1961 in Croatia.
Speaking exclusively to Soccernet.ng, Ayuma opens up about his humble beginnings, the challenges that nearly made him give up, his dreams for the Super Eagles, and the moment that changed his life forever.
Discovered by Mavlon FC while “just on the street,” Ayuma’s journey from raw talent to professional footballer reads like something out of a film script—only this one is real.
Israel Ayuma’s Move From Warri to NK Istra
“I lived in Nigeria, in Warri, Delta State. But I moved to Lagos and stayed there for about two years with my boss. I trained with Mavlon Academy before coming to NK Istra,” Ayuma began.
To many, the Jersey number they don has become part of their football journey. For the Nigerian talent, 10 is his favourite number—worn during the 2025 World Cup tournament—but jersey number 6, donned by former Manchester United star Paul Pogba, inspires his second choice.
“My favourite jersey number, apart from 10, is 6 — because while growing up, I looked up to Paul Pogba of Manchester United, who wears number 6.”
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Growing up, life wasn’t easy for the young midfielder, whose early years were far removed from the spotlight he enjoys today.
“Growing up for me wasn’t easy. Where I came from, there were no top players in Warri. One day, I made a decision that I really wanted to play football — but there was nobody to help me. I was just living like a joke on the streets before my boss found me and inspired me to pursue football seriously,” he recalled.
“I’m not from a rich family. My dad is old, so I have to take care of my parents. After writing my WASSCE, I left home and started living alone. Then I met my boss, who took me to Lagos. At first, the training was so hard that I wanted to go back, but he kept encouraging me. Now I’m in Europe, playing for NK Istra.”
Ayuma On Nigeria’s Horrible Loss To Argentina At U-20 World Cup
At the U-20 World Cup, Ayuma’s ability to control the midfield stood out, even as Nigeria fell 4–0 to Argentina, which is a result that still hurts many of the players, especially the Nigerian starlet.
“For me, it was really bad—losing by four goals. But I can’t blame anybody or any player. We made some mistakes. I think some of the players were scared of the name Argentina. For me, I think we needed to put confidence first before anything else.”
That confidence has been the foundation of his growth at the club level too, where he’s gradually earning minutes and recognition in Croatia’s top flight.
Ayuma Dreams of Super Eagles Call-Up
For Ayuma, the dream is clearly to play for the Super Eagles.
“It’s my dream — I pray for this. It’s my dream to play for the Super Eagles, and I believe that if the opportunity comes, I’ll grab it. I’ll let Nigerians know I’m ready to fight for the badge. Hopefully, I can share the pitch with some of the big players.”
Ayuma’s Advice to Young Nigerian Footballers
For youngsters chasing the same dream, Ayuma’s simple advice is to keep working hard.
“I’d say they should keep praying and work hard — that’s the key.”
Israel Ayuma’s Transfer Aspirations
Asked about his future and potential transfers, the 20-year-old midfielder didn’t hesitate when asked which league attracts him most.
“With my style of play, I’d say England,” he said.
“My style of play, what the club can add to me, and how I can make an impact for the club — those are the things that would influence my decision.”
EXCL
“With my style of play, I’d say England,” Israel Ayuma told Soccernet.
“My style of play, what the club can add to me, and how I can make an impact for the club — those are the things that would influence my decision.”#flyingeagles #Worlds2025 #EPL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/4nuah3GYz0
— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) October 16, 2025
Israel Ayuma’s Football Idols
As he continues to grow, Ayuma draws inspiration from current and past Super Eagles stars.
“Because of the position I play, I look up to Alex Iwobi — we play in similar roles. And for all-time Super Eagles, I’d say I look up to Mikel Obi.”
How Israel Ayuma Was Discovered by Mavlon FC
The CEO of Mavlon FC, who first discovered Ayuma, shared how an unplanned street encounter changed the young man’s life forever.
“We actually spotted him when he wasn’t even playing on the pitch. He was just joking around on the street with his friends. One of my scouts saw him and asked if he’d like to come to Lagos. For some reason, he agreed,” he said.
“I remember the first friendly we played him in. A scout who was close to me said, ‘This guy can’t play football.’ I told him, ‘No, this guy has very good technique.’ The next day, he scored two goals and showed incredible improvement. That’s when I knew he had potential.”
“He wore the number 6 jersey — his favourite — and played the number 8 and 10 roles for Mavlon for a long time. We had 16 offers for him, including Juventus. But we decided on a smaller club where he could play and develop quickly.”
However, Ayuma’s rise wasn’t without setbacks.
“He got a groin injury with a twisted nerve. He was out for over a year. Thankfully, he’s recovered, and the rest is history.”
Anthony Ujah on Israel Ayuma
Seven-capped Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah, who has followed Ayuma’s development closely, had glowing words for the youngster.
“The things he’s doing at his age show that the sky is the limit. If he stays cool-headed and focused — which he already is — and remains healthy, I see him going really far,” Ujah said.
“Discipline is one of the core values at Mavlon Academy, and he’s had the best lessons in that area. The next step is establishing himself at Istra and then moving to a bigger league. But first things first — he has to take it one step at a time.”
Ayuma, who minutes before the interview with him was resting from a training session, will be aiming to keep up with his performance and development with Istra. Hopefully, his dreams for England and the Nigerian national team will come true in no time.
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