Michael Olaha: Nigeria forward linked with Cong An HCMC move after SLNA exit

Nigeria centre-forward Michael Olaha, currently without a club after leaving SLNA FC, is being linked with a move to fellow V.League 1 side Cong An HCMC.

The 30-year-old, born in Lagos and valued at around €325,000, became a free agent at the start of July after the end of his spell with SLNA, opening the door for domestic rivals to step up their interest. Cong An HCMC are understood to be exploring an attacking reinforcement in the current window, with Olaha’s availability viewed as a potential low-risk addition within the Vietnamese top flight.

Olaha has extensive experience in V.League 1, making 164 appearances and contributing 43 goals and 27 assists, underlining a sustained impact across several seasons in Vietnam. His record in the Vietnamese Cup has also been notable, with four goals and one assist in just three appearances, suggesting a habit of producing in knockout competition.

The left-footed forward first moved to Vietnam from Nigerian side Abia Warriors in 2017, before earning a switch to Israel with Hapoel Tel Aviv and later H. Kfar Shalem. He returned to SLNA FC in 2022 and had re-established himself in V.League 1 before his most recent departure this summer.

With no contract currently tying him down and his market value reflecting his standing in the league, Olaha is in a position to negotiate directly over his next move, leaving Cong An HCMC among the leading candidates should they decide to formalise their interest.