AIK trial: Nigerian teenager Emmanuel Olawore earns rave reviews from sporting director Thomas Takkula

AIK sporting director Thomas Takkula says trialist Emmanuel Oluwafemi Olawore has already shown the qualities of a “very ambitious” winger as the 18‐year‐old Nigerian bids to secure a permanent move to the Stockholm club.

The young wide man, currently on the books of Umea FC, is training with AIK’s first team while the Allsvenskan side assess whether to offer him a contract.

Olawore, who has been in eye-catching form in Sweden’s lower leagues, was invited for a trial after a productive spell in which he contributed four goals or assists in his last nine matches for Umea FC.

AIK impressed by one-on-one ability

Takkula, who oversees recruitment and squad planning at AIK, has been encouraged by what he has seen from the winger in early training sessions.

In comments reported by Fotbolltransfers and given to Swedish outlet Expressen, he highlighted Olawore’s technical ability and intelligence in attacking situations.

“He has very good one-on-one skills. He can go both in and out of the court and has a good understanding of reading his direct opponent.

“From what I’ve seen in training, he also seems to be a very ambitious guy, and I like that.”

Such attributes are highly prized in Sweden’s top flight, where clubs increasingly look to recruit and develop young, pacey wingers capable of beating defenders in wide areas and creating chances.

From Ogun State to Sweden

Olawore’s route to one of Sweden’s biggest clubs has been swift.

A product of Erinsoccer FC in Nigeria, he first caught attention on the domestic stage in 2025 when he helped Ogun State win the Nigerian National Sports Festival. His performances there earned him the tournament’s most valuable player award, underlining his status as one of the standout young talents at the event.

That form paved the way for a move to Europe. Following a successful trial, Olawore joined Umea FC in February 2026, signing a contract running until the end of the 2027 Swedish season. His adaptation to Swedish football has been rapid enough to put him on AIK’s radar within months of his arrival.

Trial to determine AIK future

AIK, one of Sweden’s most storied clubs, have not disclosed how long Olawore’s trial will last, but he is currently integrated with the senior squad as coaches and management monitor his performances in training and practice matches.

The Stockholm side, who regularly compete at the top end of the Swedish league and have a record of developing young players for bigger European moves, are expected to take a close look at how the Nigerian handles the step up in intensity and tactical demands.

Should Olawore impress sufficiently, AIK would need to negotiate with Umea FC to secure his services on a permanent basis, as the winger remains under contract there until 2027.

For now, the teenager’s immediate focus is on making the most of his opportunity at one of Scandinavia’s best-known clubs – with the backing of a sporting director already publicly acknowledging his potential.