Former head coach of Nigeria’s U-20 men’s team, Paul Aigbogun, in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has given his full backing to Super Eagles forward Peter Olayinka following his move to the Cypriot top flight.
After months without a club, the 30-year-old attacker has completed a move to Cypriot giants APOEL Nicosia, where he will be hoping to revive his career and help the club push for the league title.
Olayinka parted ways with Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade last October and had been a free agent ever since, but the forward has now found a new home in Nicosia.
Reacting to the move, Aigbogun, who led Nigeria to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland and also served as an assistant coach with the Super Eagles exclusively told Footy-Africa that he is pleased with Olayinka’s decision, describing the Cypriot league as one that is steadily improving.
“When I got the news I was happy for two reasons. One is the fact that Peter (Olayinka) is finally going to be back on the pitch and secondly, he is going to a league that will suit his style as he eases himself back into football,” Aigbogun said.
“He is a very experienced striker and will bring value to the club as soon as he gets back to full fitness. I am sure he will bang in the goals for APOEL.”
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒! 🔵🟡
Στο προσκήνιο για την ομάδα μας βρίσκεται ο Peter Olayinka, ένας 30χρονος Αφρικανός επιθετικός με πλούσιο βιογραφικό.#monoapoel1926 pic.twitter.com/bHStPge6Vw
— ΑΠΟΕΛ 1926 (@monoapoel1926_) February 7, 2026
Aigbogun also highlighted the recent growth of football in Cyprus, pointing to increased investment and improved competitiveness across the league.
“The Cypriot top flight has seen some injection of resources and investments which has seen the likes of Pafos play in the Champions League and others in the Europa League too. The football there is growing with lots of investment. Pafos Football Club have changed the game there and it is very competitive now. The likes of Leon Balogun and Shehu Abdullahi played here too and since then, there has been a lot of improvement.”
“I hope he (Olayinka) hits the ground running and pays back the trust in him. He has the experience to cope with the demands in Cyprus,” he added.
APOEL Nicosia are currently sixth on the Cypriot top-flight standings with 36 points from 21 matches, sitting 15 points behind league leaders Omonia Football Club.
