In a major boost for Gambian football, two of Real de Banjul’s brightest talents, Mustapha Nyassi and Sheikh Jaw, are set to complete five-year deals with Danish Superliga champions FC Copenhagen, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
The duo arrived in Denmark on Thursday ahead of the highly anticipated signings, which are expected to be finalized and officially announced on Friday.
Both players have been instrumental in Real de Banjul’s recent dominance, helping the club secure its third consecutive Gambian Premier League title and marking a return to the CAF Champions League after a decade-long absence.
Their impressive performances throughout the campaign, particularly during the qualifiers against Moroccan powerhouse AS FAR, caught the attention of scouts across Europe despite Real’s elimination in the preliminary rounds last month.
Rising star Sheikh Jaw attracts European attention
Midfield prodigy Sheikh Jaw, widely regarded as one of the finest young Gambian talents of his generation, has drawn significant interest from several top European clubs.
Sources close to the player exclusively confirmed to Footy-Africa that FC Midtjylland, St. Étienne, Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Fenerbahçe had all expressed serious intent before Copenhagen won the race for his signature.
Known for his technical brilliance, vision, and composure in possession, 18-year-old’s move to Copenhagen represents a crucial step in his development and could open doors to the broader European stage. His ability to dictate play and break lines has made him one of the standout midfielders in the Gambian league.
Mustapha Nyassi: Modern full-back on the rise
Meanwhile, Mustapha Nyassi, a dynamic and attack-minded right-back, has also been on the radar of European clubs following his standout performances for Real de Banjul. Offers reportedly came from IFK Värnamo of Sweden and DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda of Slovakia, but the 17-year-old defender opted for Copenhagen, attracted by the club’s reputation for developing young talent.
Nyassi’s blend of pace, defensive awareness, and offensive drive has made him one of the most promising full-backs emerging from West Africa. His ability to transition quickly and contribute to both defence and attack aligns perfectly with Copenhagen’s modern football philosophy.
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Landmark moment for Gambian football
The dual signing marks a historic moment for Real de Banjul and Gambian football as a whole, underscoring the growing recognition of the country’s talent pool on the global stage. Real’s continued success at home and participation in continental competitions have provided a valuable platform for players like Sheikh and Mustapha to showcase their abilities.
If finalized, the transfers will not only enhance FC Copenhagen’s youth-driven squad but also serve as an inspiration for aspiring footballers across The Gambia, demonstrating that talent and hard work can pave the way to Europe’s elite leagues.
As the final paperwork is completed and the announcement looms, Gambian fans eagerly await what could be one of the nation’s proudest football moments — the dawn of two promising careers on Danish soil.
