Solomon Agbalaka: Nigeria Under-20 World Cup star joins top Russian club despite UEFA ban

The Flying Eagles star had other options in Belgium and Germany, but he decided to join a Russian side

Nigeria Flying Eagles left-back Solomon Agbalaka has completed a season-long loan transfer to Russian club Sochi FC, Soccernet reports.

The 19-year-old defender was a constant figure in Nigeria’s left-back during the last Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup in Argentina in June. He played every minute of Nigeria’s games in both competitions and won the Man of the Match award once at the Nations Cup.

Following his displays in both competitions, Nigerian journalist Andrew Randa reported that Agbalaka had several offers from Germany and Belgium.

However, Russian club FC Sochi have confirmed that they have signed the Nigerian on a season-long loan from Broad Academy.

With this move, Agbalaka cannot play continental football unless he leaves the Russian league next summer. This is because UEFA have banned all Russian clubs from competing in their competitions indefinitely because of their role in the Russo-Ukranian war.

Sochi are currently one of the more decent clubs in the Russian Premier League. They have finished in the top five twice in the last three seasons.

They currently sit 11th in the league after just three games, but they would look to climb up and try to rattle the big boys like Zenit and CSKA Moscow.