Israeli side Hapoel Ra’anana AFC have beaten off competition to sign promising Nigerian teenager Divine Chinemerem from Kaduna-based Ikon Allah Football Academy.
A source at Ikon Allah Academy exclusively told Footy-Africa that the teenager attracted interest from several clubs before eventually choosing the Israeli outfit.
“A lot of people always talk about Zadok Yohanna when they discuss the academy, but there are a lot of players who are just as good as him, if not better,” the source said. “What we try to do with our partners is create opportunities and pathways for these players to grow and hopefully become world-class footballers.”
“Divine is a very talented player and I believe that, in the not-too-distant future, he will prove his worth. There were clubs in Sweden and Denmark who wanted him to come over, but we felt the opportunity in Israel and the way it was presented to us was better.”
The move is another success story for the academy, with Chinemerem becoming the the latest player from the academy to secure a move to Europe during the current transfer window.
The latest transfer further highlights Ikon Allah Academy’s growing reputation for developing young Nigerian talents, particularly following the high-profile move of academy graduate Zadok Yohanna from Swedish side AIK Stockholm to English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chinemerem has signed a long-term contract with ambitious Hapoel Ra’anana, where he will continue his development and look to establish himself in European football.
Chinemerem will now look to follow the footsteps of other Nigerian youngsters who have used Israel as a stepping stone in their European careers.
