Samson Tijani joins Podbrezova in bid to revive Nigeria career

Former Golden Eaglets captain Samson Okikiola Tijani has joined Slovak top-flight side FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova on a season-long loan from Dukla Prague, hoping regular first-team football can strengthen his case for a return to the Super Eagles.

The 24-year-old midfielder moved to Podbrezova in September, with the club holding an option to sign him permanently on a two-year agreement.

Tijani’s switch offers him another opportunity to rebuild the momentum that made him one of Nigeria’s most promising young players. He captained the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, performances which helped him secure a move to Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg in 2020.

He later played for FC Liefering, TSV Hartberg, Wolfsberger AC and Norwegian side Fredrikstad before joining Dukla Prague in 2025.

His European experience has also included an appearance for Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League against Bayern Munich in March 2022.

Podbrezova general manager Miroslav Poliacek said Tijani would bring qualities that could add variety to the club’s midfield.

“He is a player at the ideal football age and represents a different type of player from what we have had in our squad,” Poliacek said.

“He is a creative and dynamic midfielder. I believe he will fully demonstrate his qualities on the pitch and help the team.”

Tijani has already started adapting to life at his new club, featuring in matches against Zilina and Skalica during September.

The midfielder is also familiar with international football at senior level. He has won three caps for Nigeria, meaning his move to Slovakia represents a chance to reinforce an existing relationship with the national team rather than seek a first call-up.

Nigeria have been looking for greater consistency and competition in midfield. A sustained run of performances for Podbrezova could therefore bring Tijani back into consideration for the Super Eagles technical crew.

His path since captaining Nigeria’s Under-17 side has included several clubs and countries, as well as exposure to one of Europe’s leading club competitions. The immediate task is to establish himself as a regular at Podbrezova and convert that early potential into consistent senior football.

Doing so would give the former Golden Eaglets captain a stronger platform from which to pursue another opportunity with Nigeria.