Niger international Najeed Yakubu has officially signed with Prishtina FC, a top-tier club in Kosovo. The 24-year-old right-back makes the move from Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava FC, although the details of his contract remain undisclosed.
Yakubu, born in Accra, embarks on a new journey in Kosovo, where he will continue his professional football career with Prishtina FC for the 2024-2025 season.
At his new club, which boasts an impressive 18 Kosovar league titles, Yakubu will reunite with fellow Nigerien Philippe Bouye and his former national team coach, Jean-Michel Cavali, who reportedly played a pivotal role in securing his transfer.
Yakubu’s career began with the Niger Tornadoes in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) before moving to Europe in 2018.
He has spent the majority of the last six years in Ukraine, where his time was notably impacted by the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The conflict has led to significant disruptions, including the relocation of most football matches to areas near the Polish border, far from the regions most affected by the war.
Faced with these challenges, Yakubu made a life-changing decision to leave Ukraine in search of peace and stability.
While this move might seem less ambitious from a sporting perspective, it offers Yakubu the chance to escape the psychological strain that many players in Ukraine currently endure.
His transition to Prishtina FC also marks a return to a more peaceful environment, where he can fully focus on showcasing his talent.
Yakubu, who also had a stint with Finnish club Ilves, joins a league that promises him the opportunity to reach his full potential without the distractions of conflict.
As he integrates into Kosovar football, Yakubu looks forward to a season where he can perform at his best, both mentally and physically, in a more stable and supportive environment.
