Nigerian goalkeeper Matthew Yakubu is back on the radar after an impressive campaign with Dukla Banská Bystrica, where his match-winning performances played a decisive role in the club’s promotion push in Slovakia.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper delivered a standout season in the country’s second division, recording multiple clean sheets, producing crucial penalty saves and making key interventions during the playoffs that helped lift his side into the higher tier.
His performances have earned widespread praise from both Slovak and Nigerian media, with reports describing his displays as “heroic” and confirming growing interest from top-flight Slovak clubs.
Yakubu’s resurgence is particularly significant given his long road back from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for an extended period.
Speaking to reporters, the former Nigeria U-20 goalkeeper said he now feels physically and mentally ready for a “second chance” with the Super Eagles, as renewed debate surrounds the national team’s goalkeeping department following a recent dip in form by first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali.
Off the pitch, the goalkeeper also has personal reasons to celebrate, having welcomed twin babies with his Slovakian wife — a milestone he described as a major source of motivation heading into the next phase of his career.
Yakubu is no stranger to promotion battles, having previously helped OFK Baník Lehota pod Vtáčnikom earn promotion earlier in his career. With his current form and growing profile in Slovakia, national team selectors are now closely monitoring him as a potential addition — either as reliable backup or a fresh option — in the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping rotation.
As Nigeria looks to strengthen competition in key positions ahead of upcoming international assignments, Yakubu’s timing could hardly be better.
