Francis Ogette, the head of Inspire Sport Academy, which represents highly rated winger Shedrack Egboh, speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, confirmed AIK’s interest in the exciting 18-year-old.
“Yes, it is true AIK are interested in him and we have given them the green light to go ahead and assess the boy, even though there are still offers on the table for him,” he exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“However, we had an agreement with AIK and we want to honour it. He is a player who is wanted in many places.”
Following the departure of Nigerian youngster Zadok Yohanna from AIK Stockholm to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, the Swedish club is once again looking towards Nigeria in search of a replacement.
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According to reports in Sweden and Nigeria, AIK have identified Shedrack Egboh as a potential successor to his compatriot.
“It may surprise you to know that it was only this year that I sat down with him and told him he had to take football more seriously. He is a very talented boy, but I am not sure he even knows how talented he is. We had to talk to him about what needed to change in both his game and lifestyle, and I am happy to see the tremendous progress he has made.”
“He sleeps on time, takes his career seriously and arrives at training on time. There has been a complete transformation, and he has grown tremendously. I believe he can become one of the best attackers in the world.”
Widely regarded as one of the most exciting young wingers in Nigerian grassroots football, Egboh is set to travel to Sweden in the hope of following a similar path to Yohanna, who impressed during his short stint at the club before securing his move to England.
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The teenager is expected to undergo a trial with AIK as the club assesses him ahead of a possible transfer. His performances have already attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
“If you think Zadok Yohanna is good, then watch out for Shedrack. I can say he is just as good, if not better, and people will see that in time.”
“In two or three years, he will be among the players everyone is talking about and he will command a significant transfer fee. Since January, I have received enquiries from several clubs. There was a club in Latvia that wanted him and another in Hungary, but we felt he was not ready.”
AIK have been monitoring Egboh for some time and have now reached an agreement for him to travel to Sweden for further evaluation. The winger is highly regarded for his pace, dribbling ability and willingness to take on defenders, while his eye for goal has also drawn attention from scouts.
Spanish side Sevilla are understood to have shown interest in the youngster, while Belgian giants Club Brugge and a club from Riga, Latvia, have also been linked with him.
“In fact, Sevilla and Club Brugge contacted us, but we already had an agreement in principle with AIK, so he will go there. I believe in the boy and if you watch him play, you will understand why Nigeria has a gem on its hands.”
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“He will do great things and, in a few years, he will play for the Super Eagles. Yes, I am that confident in his ability,” added Ogette, who is based in Berlin, Germany.
