Mubarak Suleiman Becomes First Nigeria-Based Player in UEFA Youth League

Mubarak Emmanuel Suleiman has made history by becoming the first player based in Nigeria to feature in the UEFA Youth League. He earned the distinction after signing with Slavia Prague and being included in the matchday squad for their U19/Youth League fixture.

At 18 years old, Suleiman made the move from Right2Win Academy in Nigeria to Slavia Prague earlier in 2025. The central midfielder is expected to develop his skills with the youth ranks in Prague before progressing. His inclusion in the UEFA Youth League side marks a milestone both for him personally and for Nigeria-based players who aspire to feature on European youth stages.

Coaches at Slavia Prague are said to believe in his potential, citing his box-to-box energy, technical ability and work rate during trials. With his appearance, Suleiman joins a short list of home-grown Nigerian talents taking early steps into European youth competitions.

Editorial

We see Suleiman’s breakthrough to the UEFA Youth League as a landmark moment not just for him, but for Nigeria’s football ecosystem. When a player operating out of a Nigerian academy earns the chance to test himself in one of Europe’s premier youth tournaments, it signals that pathways are opening for home-based talents. This is more than a personal achievement; it reflects shifting dynamics in scouting, opportunity, and recognition.

His move from Right2Win Academy to Slavia Prague is a sign that international clubs are increasingly willing to look deeper into local Nigerian setups. Such moves should inspire other promising young players and academies across Nigeria to believe that they too can be seen beyond national borders. However, belief alone will not suffice; this opportunity must be matched with support, discipline, and consistent development if it is to translate into sustained success.

At the same time, Slavia Prague’s decision to include him speaks to their confidence in his readiness. While he will likely begin with youth fixtures, the exposure provided by the UEFA Youth League is invaluable: higher tempo, technical demands, physicality, and the mental pressure of representing abroad. If Suleiman can adapt well, learn quickly, and maintain his ambition, this could be the start of a rapid ascent.

We think that this moment could serve as inspiration for many young Nigerians who remain in domestic academies. It underscores the importance of having quality training, exposure, and visibility. Suleiman’s case may also prompt local clubs and the Nigerian Football Federation to accelerate efforts in youth development, infrastructure, and facilitating smoother transitions for talents to international clubs. He has opened a door—for himself and for others to walk through.

Did You Know?

1. Mubarak Emmanuel Suleiman was born on 13 April 2007, making him 18 years old at the time he joined Slavia Prague’s system.
2. Before joining Slavia Prague, he played for Right2Win Academy in Nigeria—a grassroots academy known for producing young talents.
3. Transfermarkt lists him as registered with Slavia Prague B, but also notes his involvement in Youth League level squads.
4. Slavia Prague operates a partnership program with Right2Win, which has facilitated trials and transfers for Nigerian youths.
5. The UEFA Youth League gives U19 teams of clubs whose senior sides are in the Champions League (as well as some domestic youth champions) a chance to compete at European level, offering exposure, high-intensity matches, and scouting visibility.