Zulte Waregem signs Nigerian teen Musa from Ikorodu City, beats Barcelona

Zulte Waregem, a Belgian Pro League club, has signed 18-year-old Nigerian forward Maliq Musa from NPFL side Ikorodu City, reportedly outbidding Spanish giants Barcelona and several other European clubs for his signature. Musa will begin with Jong Essevee, the club’s U-23 team, to adapt to Belgian football before pushing for a place in the senior squad.

Last season, Musa made nine league appearances for Ikorodu City, scoring one goal and providing one assist. He has already started training with his new teammates in Belgium. The move highlights the growing pipeline of NPFL talent attracting interest from abroad and offers a concrete example of a young Nigerian player securing a European developmental contract.

For Nigerian football fans and aspiring players, this transfer raises questions about what structures are needed to help more local talents break into Europe—better scouting, exposure tournaments, or stronger links between NPFL clubs and overseas academies. Will Musa’s success inspire more NPFL clubs to prioritize youth development and seek international partnerships?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/19/transfer-belgian-club-zulte-waregem-snap-up-nigerian-youngster/