Unity Cup: AIK has not yet approved Zadok’s call-up to the Super Eagles

Abayomi Ademola

AIK Fotboll recruitment manager Miika Takkula has confirmed that the club has received an official invite for Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup tournament, but says a final decision on his release has yet to be made.

Yohanna earned his first invitation to the Nigerian Super Eagles following his impressive start to the season in Sweden, where he has recorded two goals and three assists in seven league appearances. His performances quickly established him as one of AIK’s standout players and attracted the attention of Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle.

Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, Takkula revealed that the Swedish club would review the situation internally before deciding whether the winger could join the national team.

“We have received the official invitation. Tomorrow we will analyze it internally and then make a decision. We also have matches. We will analyze it and then make a decision,” Takkula said.

The AIK manager also pointed out that the Unity Cup is outside the official FIFA international calendar, so the club is not obliged to release the player.

“Tomorrow we will review it internally and have a complete picture of everything. Then, as you mention, we have every right to keep it here. It is not an official date (selection date on the international calendar) and I think it is in our hands,” he added.

Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final on May 26, with a possible final against Jamaica or India awaiting the winner.