Michael Olaha: Nigeria striker linked with Cong An HCMC move from free agency

Nigeria centre-forward Michael Olaha, currently without a club after leaving SLNA FC, is being linked with a move to V.League 1 rivals Cong An HCMC.

The 30-year-old, born in Lagos and valued at around €325,000, became a free agent on 1 July after his latest spell with SLNA ended, and Cong An HCMC are understood to be exploring a deal as they look to add experience to their attacking options. Any agreement would come without a transfer fee, with negotiations likely to focus on contract length and salary in line with his current valuation.

Olaha has extensive experience in Vietnamese football, having made 164 appearances in V.League 1 and scoring 43 goals with 27 assists. His return to SLNA in 2022 followed a stint in Israel with Hapoel Tel Aviv and H. Kfar Shalem, but his most productive years have come in Vietnam, including a standout run in the Vietnam Cup where he scored four times in just three matches.

Before moving abroad, Olaha featured in the Nigerian Professional Football League with Abia Warriors, registering double figures for goals across 39 league appearances. He has also appeared in continental competition, scoring once in the AFC Cup.

With Cong An HCMC operating in the same division where Olaha has built the bulk of his career, the proposed move would represent a continuation of his strong association with Vietnamese football. For now, the left-footed forward remains unattached and free to negotiate with interested clubs.