Samson Tijani’s latest outing in Slovakia offers another opportunity for the Nigerian midfielder to build momentum in his bid to return to the Super Eagles, following FK Železiarne Podbrezová’s emphatic 4-1 away victory over Michalovce, Sports247.ng reports.
Podbrezová secured all three points in the Niké Liga encounter on October 24, with Martin Chrien opening the scoring before Balša Mrvaljević struck a second-half hat-trick. José López scored Michalovce’s only goal.
Tijani started the match but was substituted at half-time. Although he did not register a goal or assist, the fixture provided further playing time as he works to establish himself at his new club.
The 24-year-old joined Podbrezová on a season-long loan from Czech side Dukla Prague in September, with the Slovak club holding an option to sign him permanently on a two-year deal.
Tijani previously emerged as a promising Nigerian prospect after captaining the Golden Eaglets at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil. His performances helped earn him a move to Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg in 2020.
During his time in Austria, he won the league title and domestic cup in the 2021-22 season and featured against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. He later had spells with TSV Hartberg, Wolfsberger AC and Norwegian side Fredrikstad, where he won the Norwegian Cup in 2024.
At senior international level, Tijani has earned three caps for Nigeria, making his debut against Algeria in November 2020.
Regular playing time and consistent performances in Slovakia could help the midfielder revive his international prospects as he seeks another opportunity with the Super Eagles.
