By In a sensational transfer deal, Barcelona is on the verge of signing Nigerian wonderkid Yahaya Lawali from the Golden Eaglets. The 16-year-old defender has attracted the attention of the Spanish giants with his impressive performances at the ongoing 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria.
Lawali, who primarily operates as a right-back but can also play as a left-back or in midfield, has been a standout player throughout the tournament. He has featured in all four of Nigeria’s matches, displaying remarkable defensive skills and contributing to the team’s attacking moves.
His exceptional performances did not go unnoticed, as he was named the Man of the Match in Nigeria’s opening two games against Zambia and Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognized his talent by including him in the Best XI for the group stage of the tournament.
While Lawali has attracted interest from top clubs in Belgium and France, Barcelona emerged as the frontrunners in the race to secure his services. Their successful pursuit of the young Nigerian prodigy underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing and developing talented young players.
