Stephen Makinwa celebrates new Serbian opportunities for Nigerian youngsters

Former Super Eagles striker Stephen Ayodele Makinwa says he is proud to have helped create professional opportunities for Nigerian players after securing moves for Jimoh Yusuf and Fawaz Agboluaje in Serbia.

The two youngsters have joined GFK Dubocica Leskovac, with Makinwa describing the agreements as the start of their professional careers. He revealed the deals on social media and said their progress could bring greater hope and financial support to their families.

“This is the goal, creating opportunities for players, while bringing joy and hope to their families and friends,” Makinwa posted.

“Proud to see Agboluaje Fawaz and Jimoh Yusuf begin their professional careers with GFK Dubocica Leskovac. The journey has only just started. #dubocica #nigeria #serbia #football #makozgroup.”

Makinwa, who was known as the ‘Tiger Of Lagos’ during his playing career, spent time with 10 different clubs in Italy. His former sides included SC Regianna, Genoa, SS Lazio, Atalanta and Palermo.

He also played for FC Ebedie and had spells in Slovenia and China. The former striker scored on his Super Eagles debut against South Africa in 2004.

Makinwa said he was particularly pleased with the latest agreements because Yusuf and Agboluaje now have an opportunity to improve their families’ circumstances.

The pair are the latest Nigerian players to benefit from his work in arranging moves abroad. Makinwa has previously been involved in successful deals for Eddie Ogenyi Onazi, Ezekiel Henty and Simy Nwankwo.