Kaduna-born goalkeeper Mathew Yakubu was the hero as OFK Banรญk Lehota pod Vtรกฤnikom secured a historic promotion to Slovakiaโs 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.
Yakubuโs performance capped off a stellar campaign in which he anchored one of the strongest defensive units in Slovakiaโs Tipos 3. Liga. Since joining Banรญk, 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 Vtรกฤnikom, the clubโs rise has been described as a football fairytale. Yakubuโs 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 Nigeriaโs national team setup.
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As Banรญk prepare for their first-ever campaign in Slovakiaโs second tier, Yakubuโs profile is rising fastโwith top-tier Slovak and Central European clubs already expressing interest.
Editorial
What Mathew Yakubu achieved in Slovakia is not just a personal milestone itโs 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, Yakubuโs journey reminds us that great goalkeepers are not born in headlines theyโre built in moments of grit, pressure, and unwavering focus.
Letโs not overlook the gravity of this accomplishment. OFK Banรญk Lehota pod Vtรกฤnikom, 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 clubโs history.
For Nigeria, this should raise eyebrowsโand 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 donโt just need reputationโthey need form, hunger, and confidence. Yakubuโs story checks all three boxes.
Did You Know?
- Mathew Yakubu began his career at Clique Sports Academy in Kaduna, Nigeriaโa hub known for producing elite-level talent.
- His club, OFK Banรญk Lehota pod Vtรกฤnikom, was founded in 2017 and had never played above the third division until now.
- The MonacoBet Liga 2 is Slovakiaโs second-tier professional football league.
- Yakubuโs penalty saves came in the playoff final against MFK Sninaโa 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.
