Swedish side AIK have confirmed that Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna will not join the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 Unity Cup in London. The club made the decision as the teenager continues the final phase of his rehabilitation ahead of a crucial period in the Swedish season.
Nigeria will compete in the four-nation tournament between May 26 and May 30 alongside Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India. The competition was expected to give Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle another opportunity to assess emerging players before future international fixtures.
Yohanna has attracted attention with his performances for AIK this season despite his young age. The 18-year-old remains one of the club’s key attacking options, and AIK believe his recovery process should not be interrupted at this stage.
The Swedish club explained its position in an official statement.
“AIK Football is proud of Zadok Yohanna who has been selected for the Nigerian national team for their participation in the Unity Cup in London. However, Zadok is in an important final stage of his rehabilitation and the club has therefore decided not to release him on national team duty this time.”
AIK also stressed that sporting considerations influenced the decision because of Yohanna’s growing importance within the squad.
“AIK Football is happy and proud that Zadok Yohanna has been selected for the Nigerian national team for the Unity Cup, which will be played in London between May 26-30, 2026. The decision not to let him travel to London is based partly on the fact that he is in rehabilitation, but also on sporting reasons, as Zadok is an important player for AIK Football.”
Yohanna’s absence comes as a major disappointment for Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, who hoped to evaluate more young talents during the Unity Cup. The winger has emerged as one of the promising Nigerian players developing in Europe and his inclusion would have added pace and creativity to the squad.
Despite refusing to release him this month, AIK maintained their support for Yohanna’s international future.
“We look forward to seeing Zadok represent the Nigerian national team in the future.”
The decision now leaves the Super Eagles technical crew searching for alternatives before the tournament begins in London.
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