Mathew Yakubu aims Slovak promotion with Dukla Banská Bystrica, eyes Super Eagles call-up

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Nigerian goalkeeper Mathew Yakubu has reaffirmed his commitment to helping Slovak side Dukla Banská Bystrica secure promotion to the top division while keeping his dream of representing the Super Eagles firmly alive.

In an exclusive interview with Sportweb Pravda journalist Martin Prosnan, Yakubu spoke candidly about the club’s promotion ambitions, his personal journey through adversity, and his aspirations for national team recognition.

“That’s our goal — to move back up,” Yakubu said. “I think we’re on the right track. If we continue as we have been, I’m convinced we’ll succeed. Dukla Banská Bystrica belongs in the top flight — and I believe I do too.”

Known for his agility, reflexes, and command in organizing his defense, the Kaduna-born shot-stopper began his footballing journey at Clique Sports Academy in Lagos.

His early promise earned him a place in Nigeria’s U-20 national setup, though he narrowly missed out on the World Cup in the Netherlands after being dropped from the final squad.

After a brief spell in Germany, Yakubu’s persistence paid off when he received a national team nomination to represent Nigeria at the African Games in Morocco. Despite injury setbacks, the 24-year-old remains determined to earn a senior call-up to the Super Eagles.

“I’ve already received an invitation in the past, but then came the injury,” Yakubu revealed.

“People in Nigeria love football; they follow how I’m doing. If Dukla and I manage to win promotion, I’ll be even more in the spotlight.”

Yakubu is enjoying an outstanding season in Slovakia’s second division. Dukla Banská Bystrica currently lead the table with an eleven-point cushion over second-placed Zlatý Moravce.

The goalkeeper has featured in all fourteen league matches, conceding just ten goals as the team remains unbeaten.

Focused on both personal and team success, Yakubu views football not just as a career, but as a vital source of purpose and pride.

“I’ve found a really good environment here,” he added.

“It’s a well-run professional club, and I enjoy living in the city. It would mean a lot to achieve success here.”

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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