Nigerian youngster Olasunkanmi Abass Ayomide has completed a move to Brazilian Série A club Atlético Mineiro after impressing during a trial with the South American side, Footy-Africa understands.
Abass has agreed a two-year deal with Atlético Mineiro, with an option for a further year, after successfully coming through his trial at the Belo Horizonte-based club.
The Nigerian midfielder will initially be integrated into Atlético Mineiro’s youth setup, where he will continue his development, while also having opportunities to train with the first team on occasions.
The move represents another important step in the development of Abass, who came through the ranks at Beyond Limits Football Academy, an institution renowned for developing young Nigerian players and creating pathways into professional football.
Speaking to Footy-Africa, a Beyond Limits official stressed that the academy’s primary objective is not simply to move players to Europe, but to ensure they continue progressing towards becoming established professionals, regardless of where their careers take them.
“Every time a player takes a step forward for us, it’s not really about happiness per se. Happiness is intangible when you look at the bigger picture. From a growth perspective, what is important is that our players can take steps forward in their development,” the official told Footy-Africa.
“It’s almost a no-brainer in terms of why we are doing what we are doing. If it’s not Europe, it has to be somewhere—whether it is South America, other African countries or even the NPFL. They just need to keep moving forward, progressing from young players into established professionals. That is the objective. It is why the academy was set up in the first place. It is our purpose. So, Abass is just one of many players in the process who has taken that next step, and we are looking forward to many more.”
Abass’ move to Brazil also underlines the increasingly global pathway available to players developed in Nigeria, with the midfielder now set to continue his career in one of South America’s most competitive football environments.
Beyond Limits believe the destination is less important than the development opportunities available to each player, with the academy placing emphasis on helping its graduates maximise their abilities and build sustainable professional careers.
“Every player’s story is different, and not every player will start or play in Europe. What is most important is maximising their potential, helping them reach the highest level they can and ensuring they do well economically,” the official said.
“Sometimes, moving to Europe is not necessarily the test of the work we put into developing these players. The most important thing is that they fulfil their potential and continue to progress in their careers.”
The Beyond Limits official also offered an insight into Abass’ playing style, describing the youngster as an intelligent midfielder whose strengths are based more on his understanding of the game than physical attributes.
“Abass is more of a cerebral player. He plays with his brain a lot and is very intelligent. He is also technically good. He understands the game, reads the game and interprets it to a decent degree,” he explained.
“He is not the most physical player in terms of running and things like that, but he compensates for that with intelligent positioning and his ability to solve problems in the middle of the park. That is the sort of player he is. He is not someone who would necessarily show up on the physical radar.”
Abass will now begin life in Brazil with Atlético Mineiro’s youth team, where the focus will be on adapting to a new football culture, improving his technical and tactical game and competing for a place within the club’s pathway to senior football.
The academy official insists that Abass is only one part of that continuing process, with Beyond Limits now looking forward to seeing more of its players take similar steps in their development.
“Abass is just one of many players in the process who has taken that next step, and we are looking forward to many more,” he added.
