Nigeria’s Rilwan Hassan appointed Midtjylland U19 head coach

FC Midtjylland legend Rilwan Hassan has returned to the Danish Superliga club, beginning a new chapter at the team where he made his name by taking up a role as assistant coach of the U19 side.

The 35-year-old is back at Midtjylland more than a decade after establishing himself as one of the club’s most influential players, but this time his impact will come from the technical area rather than on the pitch.

Hassan joined Midtjylland at the age of 16 after moving from Nigerian academy side FC Ebedei, the club’s strategic partner in Nigeria. He quickly progressed through the ranks before becoming a key member of the first team and earning legendary status among supporters.

During a remarkable spell that lasted more than 10 years, the Nigerian winger made 264 appearances for Midtjylland, contributing significantly to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.

He helped the club win two Danish Superliga titles and a Danish Cup, becoming recognised for his pace, attacking ability and relentless work ethic.

From Midtjylland icon to coaching apprentice

After leaving Midtjylland in 2019, Hassan continued his playing career with Danish side Sønderjyske before moving abroad to join Indian club Sreenidi Deccan FC and later Norwegian outfit HamKam.

Now, he has returned to the club where his professional journey began, this time stepping into coaching and sharing his experience with the next generation of players.

Hassan will work as assistant coach of the U19 team alongside head coach Svend Graversen as he begins his development in management.

Despite his years of experience as a player, Hassan admitted that coaching presents a completely different challenge.

“I look forward to learning an incredible amount as a coach, because I know a lot about being a player, but now it’s a new role that I have to get to know.”

The former winger is also looking forward to learning under Graversen, whom he already knows from his playing days at the club.

“I am happy that I will be working closely with Svend Graversen. He will teach me a lot. I know him from when I was a player at the club, so it is a good opportunity for me to start under him.”

A full-circle return for a Midtjylland great

Hassan’s appointment represents a full-circle moment for a player whose career became closely linked with Midtjylland’s rise in Danish football.

Arriving as a teenager from Nigeria, he developed into a trusted first-team figure and played a major role in the club’s emergence as one of Denmark’s leading sides.

His move into coaching allows him to remain connected with the institution that shaped his career while helping young talents navigate the same pathway he once followed.