Samson Tijani makes Slovakian move as Podbrezova secure loan deal

Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets captain Samson Tijani has joined FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova on loan from Dukla Prague for the 2026/27 season.

The Slovakian club also have the option to sign the 23-year-old midfielder permanently on a two-year contract when the loan spell ends.

Tijani completed the move after spending the previous season with Czech side Dukla Prague, who he joined on a free transfer in June 2025 following his departure from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg.

He made 26 appearances in the Czech top flight during his first campaign with Dukla and quickly became an important member of their squad.

Podbrezova general manager Miroslav Poliacek said the club were pleased to add Tijani to their midfield and believes the Nigerian will offer qualities that have been missing from the team.

“He is a player of ideal football age and represents a different typology than what we have had in the squad so far. He is a creative and dynamic midfielder who will bring the necessary impulse and quality to the midfield,” Poliacek told theclub’s official website.

“Samson is also part of the wider Nigerian national team, which says it all. I believe that he will fully show his qualities on the pitch and help the team. I wish him the best of luck with us.”

Tijani’s arrival gives Podbrezova an experienced international midfielder as they prepare for the new season. His contract includes a route to a longer-term stay, with the Slovakian club able to complete a permanent transfer on a two-year deal.

From Golden Eaglets captain to Super Eagles midfielder

Tijani first attracted widespread attention when he captained Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

His development subsequently took him into the senior national-team set-up. He was included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 Unity Cup and featured in Nigeria’s games against Zimbabwe and Jamaica.

The midfielder has won three senior caps for the three-time African champions.

His move to FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova marks the latest stage of a career that has included football in Austria, the Czech Republic and now Slovakia. He will spend the 2026/27 campaign with the Slovakian club, who will have the opportunity to make the transfer permanent at the end of the agreement.

By Adeboye Amosu