Nigerian youngsters Mubarak Suleiman and Samuel Isifie have earned a place in Slavia Praha’s squad for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign, marking another significant step in their emerging European careers.
The inclusion of the Nigerian duo puts them within touching distance of European club football’s biggest stage, with Slavia Praha set to open their Champions League campaign against French side RC Lens on Thursday.
For Suleiman, the moment represents a remarkable progression since his move from Abia-based Right 2 Win FC to the Czech giants last year.
The young midfielder featured for Slavia’s U19 side in the UEFA Youth League last season, gaining valuable experience against some of Europe’s most promising young talents.
Now, he has moved a step closer to the senior Champions League spotlight.
Suleiman and Isifie could potentially make their European debuts against Lens, giving the Nigerian youngsters an opportunity to announce themselves on one of football’s grandest stages.
The development also highlights the growing pathway for Nigerian youth players into elite European football, with both youngsters now part of a Slavia squad competing at the highest level of continental club competition.
For Suleiman in particular, the journey from Nigerian academy football to a Champions League squad represents how quickly opportunities can change for young players who make the most of their development abroad.
The next step is now to turn squad selection into minutes on the pitch.
From Nigeria to Prague, from the UEFA Youth League to the Champions League squad — Mubarak Suleiman and Samuel Isifie are now knocking on Europe’s biggest door.
