Armenia-based footballer Izuchukwu Okonkwo signs with Slavia Prague

19-year-old Nigerian midfielder Izuchukwu Okonkwo will continue his career in the Czech Republic, having signed a long-term contract with Slavia Prague until June 30, 2030. Initially, he will play for the club’s reserve team.

The player admitted that joining Slavia is a major milestone for him: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s an incredible feeling — Slavia is a huge step in my career. I’m thrilled that it’s happening right now.”

Thus, the Armenian stage of his career proved to be a crucial springboard in the young Nigerian's European journey. This transfer can be considered one of the most significant career boosts following a stint in the Armenian Premier League.

Okonkwo was long involved in the "Vista" project — an academy based in Gelendzhik, Russia, designed to develop and showcase under-the-radar talents from Africa, Armenia, and South America. Previous partners in the project included Bulgarian side Botev and Armenian club Van, where many players got their first professional experience. For Okonkwo, Van was that first step.

It’s worth noting that the Vista project, led by businessman Anton Zingarevich and vice president Tigran Mkrtchyan, now continues in another Armenian club — Alashkert. Okonkwo will join Slavia B after obtaining his visa, expected in August. The transfer followed extended scouting by the Czech club, including assessments of his performances at Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv and Armenian club Van, where he played the 2024/25 season on loan.

“We’ve been tracking Izuchukwu for quite some time. He passed our scouting, and the reserve team coaches — who were looking for someone with his qualities — also saw him in action. He’s a strong, talented player with great potential who could grow into a first-team member. But he still has a long way to go,” said Slavia’s sporting director Jiří Bílek.

In the Armenian Premier League, Okonkwo played 28 matches for Van, scoring six goals. He also netted twice in four Armenian Cup matches.4

The player admitted that joining Slavia was a major moment in his life: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s an incredible feeling — Slavia is a huge step in my career. I’m thrilled that this is happening right now.”

Thus, the Armenian stage became an important springboard in the young Nigerian’s European career. This transfer can be considered one of the best promotions following performances in the Armenian Premier League.

Izuchukwu Okonkwo was for a long time part of the "Vista" project — an academy based in the Russian city of Gelendzhik, which develops and gives opportunities to lesser-known footballers from Africa, Armenia, and South America. In the past, the project was linked with Bulgarian side Botev and Armenian club Van, where players gained their first professional experience. For Okonkwo, FC Van was that first step.

It’s worth noting that the Vista project is now being implemented at another Armenian club, Alashkert, under the leadership of businessman Anton Zingarevich and vice president Tigran Mkrtchyan.