Sporting Lagos striker Abdullahi seals Denmark move

Nigeria National League side Sporting Lagos have confirmed the transfer of teenage striker Yusuf Abdullahi to Danish club Aarhus Fremad, marking the latest European move from the Lagos-based academy project.

According to Bold Sports, the 18-year-old forward joins Aarhus Fremad after impressing during trial spells with the club, bringing an end to his two-year stint with Sporting Lagos, where he progressed from academy football to senior competition.

From academy prospect to Europe

Abdullahi joined Sporting Lagos in 2023 as part of the club’s first intake of academy players following its establishment.

He featured prominently in youth tournaments, including the Gothia Cup, one of the world’s largest youth competitions, before stepping up to represent the club at senior level in the Nigeria National League.

His performances and physical profile drew attention from scouts, leading to an invitation to train with Aarhus Fremad, where he earned a contract after two separate assessment periods.

Confirming the signing, Aarhus Fremad director Jesper Blicher highlighted the striker’s potential and the role of Sporting Lagos in facilitating the move.

“Yusuf has trained with Fremad on two occasions, where he showed himself to be an exciting striker with great potential,” Blicher said. “The collaboration with Sporting Lagos made the transfer possible, and we look forward to seeing Yusuf in the Fremad shirt.”

A crucial step in Abdullahi’s journey

The transfer represents a significant turnaround in Abdullahi’s career. The teenager has previously spoken about nearly walking away from football altogether, at one point considering selling sachet water on the streets before his breakthrough with Sporting Lagos.

Now set for his first experience of European football, Abdullahi will aim to adapt quickly to the Danish game and establish himself at Aarhus Fremad.