Former Nigeria U-20 midfielder Israel Ayuma has completed a season-long loan move to Portuguese Primeira Liga club Marítimo from Croatian side NK Istra, with the Portuguese outfit retaining an option to make the transfer permanent for a further two years.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Mavlon Football Academy head coach Muyiwa Showole expressed his delight at Ayuma’s latest career step, insisting the midfielder’s rise has come as no surprise.
“I am happy for Israel. This is a big move for him to Marítimo,” Showole said. “From the first day we brought him to Mavlon, he showed he was a serious boy, dedicated to football and always willing to work hard.”
Showole revealed that adapting to European football was initially challenging for the youngster but praised his determination to overcome those obstacles.
“When he got to Istra, it was difficult. You know how it is for every young player moving from Nigeria to Europe. The initial stages are always difficult, but he was able to overcome that. I was surprised he broke into the first team at just 19 after only about a year and a few months in Europe. His performances attracted the interest of other clubs and, in less than two years, he has earned a move to what we consider a very good club and a higher level.”
“Israel has really stepped up. This move to Portugal will allow him to showcase his skills even more. Other clubs wanted him too, but the Portuguese club showed more determination to get him, and that’s why he moved there,” he added.
The 20-year-old midfielder arrives in Portugal after an impressive spell in Croatia, where he steadily established himself as one of NK Istra’s promising young talents following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC in the summer of 2023.
During the 2025/26 Croatian top-flight campaign, the former Flying Eagles midfielder made 17 league appearances, scoring once while producing a string of assured displays that attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.
His performances also earned him international recognition as he featured for Nigeria at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he represented the Flying Eagles on the global stage.
