Kaduna-born goalkeeper Mathew Yakubu was the hero as OFK Baník Lehota pod Vtáčnikom secured a historic promotion to Slovakia’s MonacoBet Liga 2. The 26 year old Nigerian produced two decisive saves in a tense penalty shootout victory over MFK Snina after the playoff match ended goalless in both regulation and extra time.
Yakubu’s performance capped off a stellar campaign in which he anchored one of the strongest defensive units in Slovakia’s Tipos 3. Liga. Since joining Baník, he has emerged as a commanding figure between the sticks, helping transform the club from underdogs into promotion contenders.
Founded only in 2017 and based in the quiet town of Lehota pod Vtáčnikom, the club’s rise has been described as a football fairytale. Yakubu’s exploits in goal have sparked nationwide attention and earned him praise from media, fans, and football scouts. Some have even begun calling for his inclusion in Nigeria’s national team setup.
As Baník prepare for their first-ever campaign in Slovakia’s second tier, Yakubu’s profile is rising fast—with top-tier Slovak and Central European clubs already expressing interest.
Editorial
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What Mathew Yakubu achieved in Slovakia is not just a personal milestone it’s a moment of triumph for Nigerian grassroots football. From the training pitches of Clique Sports Academy in Kaduna to a pressure-packed promotion playoff in Eastern Europe, Yakubu’s journey reminds us that great goalkeepers are not born in headlines they’re built in moments of grit, pressure, and unwavering focus.
Let’s not overlook the gravity of this accomplishment. OFK Baník Lehota pod Vtáčnikom, a club founded barely eight years ago, was battling seasoned sides in a league where experience usually trumps ambition. But it took one Nigerian keeper, in one unforgettable shootout, to write a new chapter in the club’s history.
For Nigeria, this should raise eyebrows—and questions. With our national team goalkeeping position still yearning for long-term consistency, can we afford to ignore a player thriving under high-stakes pressure in Europe?
The Super Eagles don’t just need reputation—they need form, hunger, and confidence. Yakubu’s story checks all three boxes.
Did You Know?
- Mathew Yakubu began his career at Clique Sports Academy in Kaduna, Nigeria—a hub known for producing elite-level talent.
- His club, OFK Baník Lehota pod Vtáčnikom, was founded in 2017 and had never played above the third division until now.
- The MonacoBet Liga 2 is Slovakia’s second-tier professional football league.
- Yakubu’s penalty saves came in the playoff final against MFK Snina—a crucial one-off fixture to determine promotion.
- Interest in Yakubu has surged, with Slovak top-flight clubs and others in Central Europe tracking him ahead of the 2025/26 season.
