Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa revealed how he played a key role in helping Swedish side Elfsborg secure the signing of highly rated Nigerian youngster Oladimeji Abdulmuiz from renowned academy Beyond Limits.
The 17-year-old midfielder has signed a contract running until the summer of 2029 and is expected to officially link up with the senior team when he turns 18 in June.
Elfsborg first developed an interest in AbdulMuiz during the 2025 Gothia Cup and have since closely monitored his progress in Nigeria. Although he attracted interest from several clubs in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, Elfsborg ultimately won the race for his signature with the help of Lawal.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Lawal expressed his delight at the move.
“It’s a good deal, and I’m happy it happened because Elfsborg is a good club with top facilities and professional football people,” he told Footy-Africa.
“I played there, and the fans are great. They create a good environment for players to express themselves. It is also a good step for him in Europe because the team usually competes in the Champions League or Europa League.”
Elfsborg sign highly-rated Nigerian teen Oladimeji Abdulmuiz
Lawal disclosed that he was directly involved during negotiations, particularly when there was strong competition for the teenager’s signature.
“Yes, I received a call from the Chairman of Beyond Limits during the negotiation process because there were other clubs interested in him. He was probably considering letting the player go elsewhere since he wants the best for him. I had to convince him that Elfsborg is a great club that takes good care of its players”.
“The club’s Sporting Director is Stefan Anderson, and we all spoke during a video call. I’m proud of Anderson because he has had a good football brain right from our playing days,” Lawal stressed further.
Abdulmuiz will spend a few weeks in Borås to familiarize himself with the club before returning permanently in June to join the men’s team.
Vi välkomnar Oladimeji ”Muiz” Abdulmuiz till föreningen!
Den nigerianska mittfältaren ansluter till herrlaget i juni och har skrivit på ett kontrakt till sommaren 2029.
🔗 https://t.co/dK5ypS34qB
_____#vitillsammans #elfsborg #borås pic.twitter.com/jJ8y1xMWgX— IF Elfsborg (@IFElfsborg1904) February 11, 2026
Lawal believes the midfielder has the talent to succeed in Europe but stressed the importance of discipline as he begins the next chapter of his career:
“For me, Muiz is a good player with a great future, and he can achieve great things, but he has to stay focused and disciplined. We have seen some players lose good opportunities due to a lack of discipline and get into trouble because of distractions off the pitch.”
The former Super Eagles star also acknowledged the challenges of adapting to life in Sweden but is confident the youngster will settle quickly.
“Sweden is usually cold, but the club has good facilities to take care of the players, and there is another Nigerian at the club, so he won’t be lonely,” Lawal concluded.
