Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International have completed the signing of Flying Eagles star, Daniel Daga from FC ONE Rocket.
The 16-year-old midfielder, who recently shone on the international stage with the Flying Eagles, has been likened to Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel.
He joins the People’s Elephant on a season-long loan deal, set to keep him at the club until the end of the 2023/2024 season.
FC ONE Rocket officially confirmed the transfer in a statement released last month, stating, “An agreement has been reached between both parties for the talented Under-20 star. Daga spent the previous season on loan at Dakkada FC, where, due to national team commitments, he made a solitary appearance for the Chosen Ones in the Nigeria Premier Football League. Remarkably, he marked that game, an opening day clash against Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, with a goal.”
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Daniel Daga’s rise to prominence was evident during the WAFU B Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he showcased his talents for Nigeria. Additionally, he represented the nation at the Under-20 AFCON and played a pivotal role in the Flying Eagles’ journey to the knockout rounds of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 ⚽️💙#𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 pic.twitter.com/SR8ABpAYHW
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) October 5, 2023
Daga’s exceptional abilities did not go unnoticed on the international stage, as he drew interest from prominent European clubs, including AC Milan. However, as reported by several UK sources, Watford has emerged as a strong contender for his signature, working diligently to secure his services. Daga is said to have inked a pre-contract agreement with the Championship club and was even in attendance at Vicarage Road to witness their opening match against QPR.
His performances in the Under-20 World Cup, particularly in Nigeria’s victory over Argentina in the knockout stages, captured the attention of top-tier clubs, making him a highly sought-after prospect. Although AC Milan initially scouted him during the tournament and explored the possibility of signing the teenager, Paolo Maldini’s departure as sporting director opened the door for rival clubs.
Watford has been among the English clubs actively leveraging the new “elite significant contribution” (ESC) rules introduced by the Football Association. These rules allow clubs to secure two wildcard squad places for ESC players who may not meet the existing work permit requirements. Daniel Daga, with his immense potential, fits the bill as a player poised for a bright future.
Daga’s journey to the senior squad of the Nigerian national team seems imminent, given his exceptional progress. While Champions League clubs had been in pursuit of the young talent, Watford offers a potentially clearer pathway to first-team action, which could be appealing to the rising star.
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