Ex-Eaglets captain Lawali eyes success at Czech club
Golden Eaglets captain at the 2023 U-17 AFCON, Yahaya Lawali, has expressed his desire to excel in Europe after completing a move to Czech Republic side MFK Karvina, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 18-year-old joined the club from Abuja-based Mahanaim FC, signing a four-year deal.
“We are pleased to announce that one of our products, Yahaya Danjuma Lawali, has joined MFK Karvina. The 18-year-old & ex-Golden Eaglets captain signed a four-year deal with Czech Republic’s top team, MFK Karvina,” the club announced on Monday.
The defender has been a transfer target for clubs in Europe, with La Liga giants Barcelona and Sevilla said to be interested in getting his signature after his impressive performance at the 2023 U-17 AFCON in Algeria.
He turned 18 in June, meaning he could now sign a professional deal, and the right-back is excited about the prospect of the challenge ahead.
“Part of my dreams and visions is to take my game to the next level, and Mahanaim FC Abuja pushed me to another enabling football environment like MFK Karvina. Joining this team will provide me with an opportunity to express myself globally, and I will not take this chance for granted,” the player told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“Football in Africa is different from what we have in Europe; with the little time spent here, I believe I am in the right place to succeed professionally. Special thanks to Mahanaim Football, my family, and my friends, who have been a set of support systems right from my days on the streets of Kaduna, Abuja, etc.
“The roads to the Czech Republic were rough, but it equally toughed me mentally, and I will not only survive professionally but also write down my name as one of the best players coming out of Africa to Europe.”
Despite Nigeria’s agonising exit from the tournament in Algeria—no thanks to a 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso in the quarterfinal—Lawali’s performances in four games left a lasting impression.
He showcased his talent and versatility, bagging the Man-of-the-Match award against Zambia and Morocco at the group stage.
His new club, MFK Karviná, is currently 12th in the Czech Republic First League, with eight points from seven matches.