In a significant move for Nigerian football talent, Slovak First Football League club AS Trencin has completed the signing of two promising Nigerian forwards, Nentaka Dembele Bangs and John Danga. This strategic acquisition comes less than 30 days before the commencement of the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
New Nigerian Talent for European Football
The Slovak club, which currently holds seventh position in the league with five wins, one draw, and eight losses, accumulating 16 points, is strengthening its offensive lineup. According to reports from AllNigeria, both players were brought in as direct replacements for Sani Suleiman, the talented winger who shone during the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup and is now attracting interest from major European clubs including Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, and Rangers.
Nentaka Dembele Bangs brings notable experience despite his youth. The 19-year-old made history by becoming the youngest player in the 2022 Nigeria Professional Football League when he debuted for Nasarawa United at just 15 years old during a 1-1 draw against MFM FC. He previously played for Wikki Tourist of Bauchi before securing this European move.
John Danga has also demonstrated his capabilities through impressive performances with Plateau United in the Nigeria Premier League before transferring to WAFC in search of more playing time in the lower league.
Proven Pathway for Nigerian Stars
AS Trencin has established itself as a valuable stepping stone for Nigerian talent seeking European careers. The club has previously developed several prominent Super Eagles forwards including former captain Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, and Samuel Kalu, all of whom used their time in Slovakia as a launchpad to bigger European teams.
Both Bangs and Danga are products of the GBS academy and have already shown their potential this season with seven goal involvements (3 goals and 4 assists) in just ten appearances across all competitions.
Expert Opinion: Nigeria Regaining Football Glory
Renowned Nigeria sports journalist Gbenga Adeleye sees this transfer as a positive development for Nigerian football. In an exclusive comment, Adeleye expressed excitement about the move, stating that Nigeria is regaining her lost glory in the international football scene.
The former Media Officer of Nembe City FC recalled that during the late 80s and 90s, Nigerian players often moved directly from domestic leagues into starting positions at European clubs due to their extensive experience. He emphasized that football academies have recently become more effective than professional clubs at moving players abroad.
Adeleye noted that the performance of these two players will determine if more opportunities will come for other Nigerian talents seeking European careers, highlighting the importance of their adaptation and success in Slovakia.
AS Trencin, the two-time Slovak League Champions, are scheduled to face MSK Zilina at the Stadion pod Dubnom as they continue their league campaign with their new Nigerian additions.
