Solomon Agbalaka: Former Nigeria U20 star joins Russian side Sochi

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigerian defender, Solomon Agbalaka has joined Russia side Sochi FC on a season-long loan.

Agbalaka joined the team from Lagos-based side, Broad City FC with an option of a permanent move. Broad City FC plays in the private football league, The Creative Championship League (TCC League) in Nigeria.

Agbalaka was a key figure with the Nigeria national U-20 team at the last U-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, featuring for Flying Eagles at both tournaments.

The left-back won the Man of the Match award at the U-20 AFCON after scoring the winning goal during Nigeria’s first game.

With the move, Agbalaka can not play in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, or European Conference League unless he leaves the team next summer.

This is due to the UEFA ban on all Russian clubs for the country’s role in the Russia-Ukranian war.

Sochi FC is a decent Russian side that has finished in the top five of the Russian Premier League twice in the last three seasons. After three league games, the team currently occupy the 11th position after three games.