Nigerian duo Yohanna, Okike make EPL list of youngsters to watch

Nigerian football prospects Zadok Yohanna and Calvin Okike are poised to make their mark in the English Premier League during the 2026-27 season, having been named among 20 emerging talents expected to shine. Both players are highlighted for their potential breakthrough campaigns as clubs gear up for the upcoming season.

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Zadok Yohanna is generating significant excitement following his transfer from Swedish club AIK Stockholm for £21.5 million. The 19-year-old Nigerian right-winger showcased his talent in Sweden last season, netting five goals and providing four assists in 18 appearances. His impressive form attracted interest from several top English clubs, but Brighton secured his signature swiftly. Former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall lauded the club's recruitment, suggesting Yohanna could become another success story at the Amex Stadium, noting that Chelsea and Newcastle United were also pursuing him.

Meanwhile, Hull City defender Calvin Okike represents another promising Nigerian talent aiming for a Premier League breakthrough. The 18-year-old center-back signed his first professional contract with Hull this summer after excelling at the academy level. He gained valuable senior experience during a loan spell at National League side Hartlepool United, where he scored shortly after his debut. Okike was named Hull City's academy player of the year for the 2025-26 campaign and has featured in the club's pre-season matches, bolstering his chances for a first-team opportunity.

These young Nigerians are included in a list compiled by BBC Sport, which features top rising stars from various Premier League clubs. The list also includes notable talents such as Arsenal's Max Dowman, Chelsea's Dastan Satpaev, Liverpool's Trey Nyoni, and Manchester United's Shea Lacey. With Premier League clubs increasingly focusing on youth development, Yohanna and Okike will be eager to seize the 2026-27 season as their platform to announce their arrival on England's biggest football stage.

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It’s a little bit of a scalp because two other big clubs in England were chasing him, Chelsea and Newcastle, so they got ahead of them, which is very good.