Talented Nigerian winger Promise Meliga is set to sign his first professional contract with Norwegian club Vålerenga when he turns 18 in August. The club has confirmed that he has been offered a deal until 2029.
Vålerenga’s sports director expressed excitement about Meliga’s potential, revealing that scouts Geir and Petter were immediately impressed after watching him play in Nigeria last year. The club has reached a pre-contract agreement with Nigerian side Beyond Limits, where Meliga will continue his development before returning to Norway in June.
The 17 year old has already impressed in training with Vålerenga, further cementing the club’s belief in his abilities. The move mirrors the early career path of Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke, who also started at Vålerenga before moving to La Liga.
Editorial
Promise Meliga’s move to Vålerenga highlights the growing opportunities for young Nigerian footballers in Europe. With top European clubs increasingly scouting Nigerian academies, the pathway to professional football is becoming more structured, allowing talents like Meliga to develop in well-established environments.
The decision to sign him to a long-term contract shows Vålerenga’s confidence in his potential. However, the challenge now lies in his adaptation to European football. While his talent has already impressed the club’s coaches, the transition from Nigerian youth football to a professional setup in Norway will require patience and hard work.
For Nigerian football, this is another example of a promising talent making strides at a young age. If Meliga can follow in the footsteps of past Nigerian players who thrived in Norway, such as Ejuke and Anthony Ujah, he could be on his way to bigger European leagues shortly. His development at Vålerenga will be closely monitored, and if he meets expectations, he could soon be a name to watch in Nigerian football.
Did You Know?
- Vålerenga has a history of developing young African talent, with Chidera Ejuke and Leke James among the notable Nigerians who played for the club.
- Meliga’s current club, Beyond Limits, is an academy that has produced several top Nigerian prospects.
- Norway has become a stepping stone for many Nigerian players before moving to bigger European leagues.
- Chidera Ejuke, who also started at Vålerenga, later played in the Russian Premier League and La Liga.
- Vålerenga have won the Norwegian top-flight league five times, with their last title coming in 2005.
