Top division Portugese side Maritimo has announced the signing of Nigeria U20 midfielder Isreal Ayuma from Croatian side NK Istra, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

He signed a four year plus the option of another year with the Portugese side, and will now travel to meet them at their pre season camp where they are preparing for next season.

A central midfielder who is comfortable on the ball and very creative, he is expected to aid the team’s chances creation with the intention of finishing higher than they did last season.

He presented Nigeria at the U20 World Cup and in total he played nine times for Nigeria at that level and has been in Croatia since 2023, where he made the step up from their youth team to the first team.

Last season he made 16 top flight appearances in Croatia and had an assist, but did enough to earn the move that is seen as a stepping stone for the 20 year old.

Daniel Martins

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