Atletico Mineiro sign Nigerian talent

Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro have completed the signing of youngster Taiwo Maamun Alao from the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), Soccernet.ng reports.

Alao rose through the ranks at 36 Lion FC before eventually moving to Sporting Lagos, where he continued his development with the club’s youth setup.

The 17-year-old later joined Ikorodu City for the 2025/26 season, making seven appearances for the club and helping them finish fourth in the NPFL.

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

However, Ikorodu City eventually missed out on a place in continental competition, with Rangers, Rivers United and Shooting Stars taking the available spots through their league positions.

Alao’s performances during his time in Nigeria have now earned him a move to Brazil, where he will continue his development with one of the South America’s biggest clubs.

Taiwo Alao: Nigeria’s youngster on the way to make waves in Brazil

According to Footy-Africa, the Nigerian youngster has signed a two-year deal with Atletico Mineiro after completing his transfer to the Brazilian giants.

Alao, who is known as the ‘Nigerian Dembele’ due to his pace and ability to take on defenders in similar pattern to PSG star and Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele, will now potentially stay at the club until at least 2028 after making his first move abroad.

PSG forward Ousmane Dembele. Copyright: IMAGOxIanxStephen

The youngster has gradually started making a name for himself in the NPFL, having featured for both Ikorodu City and Sporting Lagos before securing his move to Brazil.

Alao will initially join Atletico Mineiro’s youth side as he continues his development, with his progress expected to be closely monitored by the club and a strong spell with the youth team could eventually lead to a promotion to the senior side.

The move represents an important step in his career as he looks to establish himself in Brazil and potentially earn a bigger move in the future, while his development at Atletico Mineiro could also put him in contention to become one of Nigeria’s next emerging talents.

Nigerian youngster Taiwo Alao joins Atletico Mineiro. [Photo Credit: Lucas Bretas/ X]

Meanwhile, Alao could make his first appearance for Atletico Mineiro’s youth side when they face Nacional de Muriae later tomorrow, with the team looking to cement their position at the top of the youth league standings.