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By Ebenezer Bajela.
The PUNCH has gathered that newly crowned Spanish Champions, FC Barcelona, have joined other top European clubs in the chase for sensational Nigeria U-17 right-back Yahaya Lawali.
Despite Nigeria’s agonising exit from the U-17 AFCON in Algeria following a 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals, Lawali’s performances in four games left a lasting impression.
The 16-year-old showcased his talent and versatility, earning Man-of-The-Match honours against Zambia and Morocco.
Lawali’s ability to play as a right-back, left-back, central midfielder and winger has made him an attractive prospect for these clubs.
According to Olaoluwa Aro, Director of Media and Publicity, Player Solution Agency, which manages Lawali, the player had been on the radar of several clubs after he provided three assists to earn a place in the Team of The Tournament during the WAFU B regional U-17 qualifying tournament, where Nigeria emerged victorious.
“Yahaya did very well at the tournament and has attracted a lot of interests. The latest among the clubs to have shown interest in him are Barcelona,” Aro said
“Prior to the start of the AFCON, we received offers from some top European clubs but we were in no rush. Recently, Barcelona and Sevilla have also shown interest in him.
“Yahaya is one of the rare talents in Mahanaim FC and we are gratified to say he made us proud despite how the Golden Eaglets exited the AFCON U-17. Having three assists in four games at the WAFU tourney in Ghana and the back-to-back Man-of-The-Match awards at the AFCON shows how consistent Yahaya is. We would look at the offers diligently as the suitors come forward; however, we shall work with clubs whose proposal is in accordance with the agency’s laid down interest for Yahaya potential developmentally”
Despite Nigeria’s quarter-final exit, Lawali was included in the CAF Best XI for the group stage – the only Nigerian to make the list.