Latvian side FK Liepāja have pulled off a coup with the signing of highly rated Nigerian teenager Michael Okafor from Plateau United’s U19 side on a three-year deal.
A source who was involved in the deal told Footy-Africa that deciding on the right destination was difficult given the level of interest in the teenager.
“It was really a tough choice because the boy had a lot of offers from clubs after his exploits last season, so a lot had to go into picking the right team for him to go to,” the source said.
“He is fast, can shoot and has an eye for goal. I believe he will be an asset to any team he goes to, and I am also happy that he is now settled and can continue to develop somewhere where there won’t be too much pressure on him.”
“Young players need somewhere they can develop, and Liepaja can do that for him. It isn’t always about the money. A very important part of a young player’s growth is the lack of unnecessary pressure, which can affect them. So we are all happy that he is going somewhere he can learn and grow,” he added.
The talented forward attracted interest from several clubs following an impressive breakthrough campaign in Nigerian youth and lower-league football, with clubs in Sweden and Denmark monitoring his progress as a club from Qatar also made enquiries about his availability.
However, Okafor ultimately chose Liepaja as the next step in his development, with the Lithuanian club offering an environment considered suitable for his continued growth.
The teenager enjoyed a breakout year in 2026, emerging as one of the standout young talents in the N-Youth League in Nigeria.
He scored six goals and provided seven assists in 14 appearances, showcasing his attacking quality and ability to contribute both as a goalscorer and creator.
Okafor also featured twice in the President Federation Cup, scoring once, while his performances in the Nigerian Nationwide League One (NLO) also put him in the limelight. He scored three goals in five appearances in the third tier, attracting the attention of a number of clubs.
Several Nigeria Premier Football League clubs also monitored his situation, but after considering the available options, his management opted to accept the offer from FK Liepaja.
