Saraki Champions Sports as Youth Development Pathway
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has reiterated that sport is a vital pathway for youth development in Nigeria. He was reacting to the trending transfer of Nigerian wonderkid Zadok Yohanna to English Premier League (EPL) club Brighton & Hove Albion.
Zadok Yohanna's Historic Transfer
Yohanna, 18, signed for Brighton from AIK Stockholm in Sweden. The transfer, made official on Saturday, June 6, is valued at £21.5 million, pending regulatory approvals, according to the BBC. This fee makes him the most expensive Nigerian teenage footballer in history, surpassing the £16 million Chelsea paid for John Obi Mikel in 2006.
Yohanna began his career at Ikon Allah Football Academy in Kaduna, Nigeria, before moving to Sweden in 2025. He made 18 appearances for AIK in the 2026 season, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
Saraki Calls for Talent Development
Speaking on Yohanna's move, Saraki highlighted the player's humble beginnings. He stated that Nigeria is never short of talent and encouraged authorities to create an enabling environment for more football academies to discover talents like Yohanna. He praised Yohanna for 'forcing his way into one of the most competitive talent markets on earth'.
Saraki wrote on his verified X page: 'When people ask me why I still believe in sports as a pathway for youth development, stories like this are part of my answer. Born in Bauchi. Moved to Kaduna on his own as a young boy to chase a football dream. Flew to Sweden less than a year ago. And today, at just 18 years old, Brighton have reportedly signed him for £21.5 million.'
He added: 'A teenager from northern Nigeria, armed with little more than talent, discipline and determination, has forced his way into one of the most competitive talent markets on earth. This is why I will always believe in investing in young people. Talent exists everywhere in this country. What is often missing is opportunity, structure, support and belief.'
Saraki Highlights Football Academy Impact
Saraki highlighted the impact of his football institutions, Kwara Football Academy and ABS Ilorin FC, which have produced players now playing for clubs in Nigeria and abroad. He encouraged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), and the National Institute for Sports to create more football academies to discover talents like Yohanna.
He concluded: 'To every young person chasing a dream that seems impossible today: keep going. Your current circumstances do not have to define your future. And to Zadok: Congratulations! The whole world can now see your talent, but this is only the beginning. Keep working, stay grounded, and never forget the journey that brought you here.'
Academy Windfall from Yohanna Deal
Yohanna's transfer is also a potentially life-changing deal for Ikon Allah Football Academy, which helped shape his early career. For his reported £21.5 million transfer, five per cent of the fee equals £1.075 million, shared among clubs responsible for his football education.
