Nigerian centre-forward Michael Olaha of SLNA FC is being linked with a switch to V.League 1 rivals Cong An HCMC, with the 29-year-old potentially available as a free agent as uncertainty persists over his contract status in Vietnam.
Transfer data indicates Cong An HCMC have emerged as suitors for the left-footed striker, who is currently valued at €325k. The move is described as a rumour at this stage, with the probability of a deal going through listed only as “?”, underlining that no agreement has yet been reached between the clubs or the player.
Olaha, who wears the No 7 shirt for SLNA FC (Song Lam Nghe An), is listed without a defined contract expiry date, a detail that has fuelled suggestions he could be attainable on either a low-fee deal or potentially as a free agent if his current terms are close to, or have already, run their course. Both SLNA FC and Cong An HCMC compete in Vietnam’s top flight, V.League 1, meaning any transfer would see him stay within the same competition but move to a club with different ambitions and tactical demands.
Born in Lagos on 4 July 1996, the 1.86m forward has built a reputation in Vietnam as a physically imposing but technically capable attacking presence, operating primarily as a central striker. Registered by Transfermarkt in his main position as “Attack – Centre-Forward”, Olaha’s profile is that of a traditional No 9 who can occupy central defenders, attack crosses and provide a focal point for counter-attacks.
Recent data from the 2026-06-01 update underlines that he remains an active part of SLNA’s attacking plans. In his latest appearance, recorded in the current V.League 1 campaign, he featured for Song Lam Nghe An FC in a league fixture, with the underlying performance metrics helping sustain his market valuation at €325k. However, the precise opponent, date and scoreline of that match are not listed in the available data, and his individual goal and assist numbers for the season are not specified.
Olaha’s single listed nationality is Nigeria, and he is part of the growing group of African forwards who have used the Vietnamese league as a platform to showcase their ability in Asian football. His height and left-footed profile make him a relatively distinctive option in a competition where many clubs prioritise direct, powerful centre-forwards.
The timeline of the speculation is recent. The rumour linking him with Cong An HCMC was logged on 1 June 2026, with the latest reply on that date at 07:16, suggesting that discussions, interest or at least monitoring of his situation are active rather than historical. Crucially, there is no indication of a signed pre-contract or a formal bid, which keeps the move firmly in the realm of transfer talk rather than a completed deal.
The absence of a clearly defined contract end date at SLNA FC remains central to the story. Without clarity on whether his existing deal is running down or has already expired, observers in Vietnam have been left to speculate whether a free transfer could be on the cards. The use of phrases such as “free agent” and “contract expired” in local discussions reflects that uncertainty rather than confirming any contractual outcome.
For Cong An HCMC, a move for a forward with Olaha’s profile and V.League 1 experience would represent a relatively low-risk addition, particularly at a market valuation of €325k by Transfermarkt standards. For SLNA FC, losing such a player without a significant fee would be a notable blow, especially given his age profile suggests he is in his peak years.
With the probability of the move still officially marked as unknown, the coming weeks will determine whether the Lagos-born striker extends his stay with SLNA FC, tests free agency, or opts for a new challenge in Ho Chi Minh City. If the transfer does materialise, it could provide Olaha with a fresh platform to enhance his reputation in Vietnam’s top division and shape the next decisive phase of his career.
