‘He Is fearless’ - Ex-Super Eagles star reveals why Brighton paid record fee for Zadok Yohanna

Former Super Eagles forward Peter Ijeh has thrown his support behind Brighton & Hove Albion's decision to sign Nigerian sensation Zadok Yohanna.

He described the teenager as a player with the talent and mentality to thrive at the highest level.

Brighton recently secured the services of the 18-year-old winger from Swedish club AIK in a deal reportedly valued at €28 million.

The transfer has made Yohanna the most expensive Nigerian teenager in football history. The youngster, who has been nicknamed the "Nigerian Neymar" signed a five-year contract with the Premier League side.

Ijeh, who enjoyed a successful spell in Swedish football during his playing career, believes Yohanna's rise from a Nigerian academy to one of England's most ambitious clubs is a reflection of his exceptional talent and hard work.

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"Zadok Yohanna moving from a Nigerian academy to AIK Stockholm and then signing a five-year contract with Brighton & Hove Albion is a great development for the lad and everyone involved," Ijeh told Footy-Africa.

The former striker highlighted the important role Swedish football has played in helping young players progress to Europe's elite leagues.

He added, "The Swedish league has always served as a launch pad for talented players looking to move to bigger clubs in Europe. This transfer shows the confidence Brighton has in his abilities."

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Yohanna enjoyed a rapid rise after arriving in Sweden, quickly progressing through the ranks at AIK before becoming a key figure in the senior team.

His performances attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, but Brighton ultimately won the race for his signature.

According to Ijeh, one of the qualities that makes Yohanna special is his fearless approach to attacking situations.

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He continued, "His style of play is attacking and fearless. He likes to take on defenders and create overload situations that give his team a numerical advantage in dangerous areas.

"That is a quality he must continue to develop and make his trademark."

The former Super Eagles star advised Yohanna to focus on improving his physical attributes and decision-making while maintaining the confidence that has helped him reach this stage of his career.

He added, "To complement his talent, he must continue working on his flexibility, agility, and overall decision-making. He should always play with purpose and keep developing his strengths."