Swedish outfit Mjallby AIF have completed the signing of highly-rated forward Silas Nwankwo from Nigeria Premier League side Nasarawa United - but some fans believe he looks older than his age.
The 18-year-old striker enjoyed a wonderful campaign last year. He scored 19 goals in 35 games for Nasarawa, guiding the NPFL club to a second placed finish in the league.
Nwankwo was also named in Nigeria's 'Team of the Year' after finishing the campaign as the Premier League's joint top scorer.
After such a profilic season, it was confirmed on Thursday that the teenager had earned himself a move to Allsvenskan side Mjallby AIF on a four-year deal.
Hasse Larsson, who is the club's sporting director, expressed his delight at the signing. “It is clear if you look at his merits as an 18-year-old in a high-speaking language, it is impressive," he said.
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“But we are also impressed by his top qualities both in the wrong turn with his size, but also by his ability to manage goal chances to goal in the offensive penalty area.
"A player who will need time, so with a longer contract, we believe that Silas, in the long run, can really make a difference for the club.”
The signing of Nwankwo was confirmed on social media this week and soon after, fans began to raise doubts about his age.
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According to Stockholm-based Rasim Reiz, the forward was listed as being 24-years-old on Football Manager 2021. "On Football Manager 2021, he is 24 while on Football Manager 2022, he is suddenly 17 years old," he wrote. "Senseless."
Reiz went on to post a Twitter thread of posts surrounding details of Nwankwo's alleged age, with screenshots from online articles included.
Mjallby AIF, meanwhile, released a statement on the club's official website after completing a deal to sign Nwankwo.
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“Mjallby AIF is pleased to announce that 18-year-old forward Silas Nwankwo is ready for the club,” it read. “The striker has signed a contract that is valid until the 2025 season.
“Silas [Nwankwo] is from Nigeria and started playing professional football in his home country in Crown FC, which then played in the country’s second-highest division. In 2019, he left the club for the top league and Sunshine Stars.
“The stay at Sunshine only lasted one year when in 2020, he signed a three-year contract with Nasarawa United, also in the country's highest league.
“Silas comes from a successful season in Nigeria. Last year, as an 18-year-old, he made 35 appearances. During these matches, he managed to score 19 goals, gave eight assists, and guided the team to finish second on the table.
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“Silas was also named “Team of the Year” in Nigeria's top team after the season."
Topics: Transfers
Jack Kenmare