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A short thread following the progress of one of Africa’s most exciting wonderkids to make the move to Europe in the past year: Samson Tijani 
A look at how the 18yo defensive midfielder has got on in his first season of senior club football, playing in the Austrian Bundesliga:
A look at how the 18yo defensive midfielder has got on in his first season of senior club football, playing in the Austrian Bundesliga:
Tijani announced himself as a serious prospect with his performances for Nigeria’s U17’s in 2019, at the U17 AFCON and World Cup.
He captained Nigeria at both competitions, standing out as their most polished player: a passing metronome, active defender and smart decision maker.
He captained Nigeria at both competitions, standing out as their most polished player: a passing metronome, active defender and smart decision maker.
No surprise, then, that RB Salzburg swooped in to secure Tijani’s services, the midfielder joining the club in June last year.
However, Tijani wasn’t loaned out to feeder club Liefering, in Austria’s 2nd tier. Instead he moved to 1st division side TSV Hartberg for the season.
However, Tijani wasn’t loaned out to feeder club Liefering, in Austria’s 2nd tier. Instead he moved to 1st division side TSV Hartberg for the season.
This constituted an unusual move for Salzburg’s African imports. Indeed, established starters such as Koita, Daka and Mwepu all spent time developing at Liefering.
Given Tijani’s precociousness and maturity at youth level, this can be seen as a huge show of faith in his ability.
Given Tijani’s precociousness and maturity at youth level, this can be seen as a huge show of faith in his ability.
However, Tijani has perhaps struggled more than expected for Hartberg this season.
This has been a big step up for the Nigerian, but it is nevertheless notable how much he struggles in possession even when not under pressure. His first touch has been poor and passing erratic.
This has been a big step up for the Nigerian, but it is nevertheless notable how much he struggles in possession even when not under pressure. His first touch has been poor and passing erratic.
It’s fair to suggest the 18 year old has looked overwhelmed at this level, and has struggled to show his ‘true’ ability as a result.
This gives an idea of the jump in competitiveness that even the most talented African prospects have to get accustomed to when moving to Europe.
This gives an idea of the jump in competitiveness that even the most talented African prospects have to get accustomed to when moving to Europe.
Still, Tijani has earned valuable experience at Hartberg, and certain parts of his game have translated well to pro level.
In addition to strong dribbling numbers, as a mobile + high volume defender Tijani frequently comes out on top in duels and regularly makes interceptions.
In addition to strong dribbling numbers, as a mobile + high volume defender Tijani frequently comes out on top in duels and regularly makes interceptions.
It’s easy to underestimate how difficult the transition can be for African youngsters moving from domestic leagues.
While not as comfortable as he might've liked, this season has been a quietly positive one for Tijani. It’ll be interesting to see what his next step is
While not as comfortable as he might've liked, this season has been a quietly positive one for Tijani. It’ll be interesting to see what his next step is
