Atlético Mineiro: Another Nigerian star join Brazilian giants

Nigerian youngster Olasunkanmi Abass Ayomide has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Taiwo Alao by completing a move to Brazilian giants Atlético Mineiro, Soccernet.ng reports.

The South American heavyweights had earlier reached an agreement to sign Alao on a two-year deal with their youth setup and have now added Abass as their second Nigerian signing from the West African giants.

Nigerian youngster Taiwo Alao. [Photo Credit/ Ikorodu City Official Website]

Abass becomes the latest product of the Beyond Limits Football Academy to secure a move abroad after impressing during a trial spell with Atlético Mineiro.

The young midfielder has agreed to an initial three-year contract with the Brazilian club, with an option for an additional year. However, he will officially complete his move in January 2027, when he turns 18.

Olasunkanmi Abass: Nigerian youngster set for Brazil move

Abass has now taken the next step in his career after leaving the Beyond Limits Football Academy for Brazil, where he will look to continue his development and build on the progress he has already made.

A source close to the teenager explained that the real reason for the move is to make sure he continues his development and reach his full potential, which is one of the main objectives of the academy.

“Every time a player takes a step forward for us, it’s not really about happiness per se. Happiness is intangible when you look at the bigger picture. From a growth perspective, what is important is that our players can take steps forward in their development”, the source told Footy-Africa.

“It’s almost a no-brainer in terms of why we are doing what we are doing. If it’s not Europe, it has to be somewhere—whether it is South America, other African countries or even the NPFL. They just need to keep moving forward, progressing from young players into established professionals.

“That is the objective. It is why the academy was set up in the first place. It is our purpose. So, Abass is just one of many players in the process who has taken that next step, and we are looking forward to many more.”

Nigerian youngster Olasunkanmi Abass. [Photo Credit: Beyond Limits FC/ X]

While most young Nigerian players usually look to move to clubs in Europe as the next stage of their careers, Abass has taken a different route by heading to a South American club.

However, the source explained that the most important thing is not necessarily where a player begins his professional career, but whether he can continue developing and eventually reach the highest level possible.

“Every player’s story is different, and not every player will start or play in Europe. What is most important is maximising their potential, helping them reach the highest level they can and ensuring they do well economically”, the source added.

“Sometimes, moving to Europe is not necessarily the test of the work we put into developing these players. The most important thing is that they fulfil their potential and continue to progress in their careers.”

Abass has the qualities to become Nigeria’s next big star

The youngster will be hoping to take his development to another level after joining Atlético Mineiro.

His ability to understand and interpret the game are among the qualities that have helped him stand out and those qualities could prove important as he begins life with the Brazilian club and looks to establish himself within their youth setup.

“Abass is more of a cerebral player. He plays with his brain a lot and is very intelligent. He is also technically good. He understands the game, reads the game and interprets it to a decent degree”, the source continued.

“He is not the most physical player in terms of running and things like that, but he compensates for that with intelligent positioning and his ability to solve problems in the middle of the park.

“That is the sort of player he is. He is not someone who would necessarily show up on the physical radar. Abass is just one of many players in the process who has taken that next step, and we are looking forward to many more”, he concluded.

Nigerian youngster Olasunkanmi Abass. [Photo Credit: Beyond Limits FC/ X]

Abass will join Atlético Mineiro’s youth setup in January 2027 after turning 18 and will hope to make a strong impression when he officially links up with his new teammates, with the possibility of earning a move to a bigger club in the future.