Done deal: Super Eagles forward extends contract with ND Primorje amid interest from European clubs

Super Eagles forward Ishaq Rafiu has signed a two-year contract extension with Slovenian club ND Primorje Ajdovščina ahead of the new season, the club confirmed via its official Facebook page.

Rafiu has become a key figure at Primorje since joining from NK Maribor, where he endured a difficult spell after a breakout campaign with Rivers United in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The 24-year-old has impressed with his consistent performances, registering four goals and two assists in 31 league appearances last season.

In a statement, the club praised Rafiu's dedication and expressed delight in his decision to remain part of their long-term project. 

"Nigerian striker Ishaq Rafiu says he feels great in our valley, that's why he has extended his partnership with the club," read a post on Primorje Ajdovščina's Facebook page.

However, Rafiu's representative, Abdullahi Yusuf, revealed to All Nigeria Soccer that the extension is a strategic move, aimed at facilitating a summer transfer. 

According to Yusuf, interest is already mounting from clubs in Austria, Belgium and Italy.

“He has two year extension to his contract. I am definitely hoping he will move. Even this one, the reason why we did this is because he's going to move," Yusuf said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

"The thing with clubs is that if you don't do extension, the suitors will not value the player. That's why we signed the extension."

"He has like three offers. He has one in Austria, Belgium, and Italy. So, he signed the extension to boost the impending clients."

Rafiu, who made his debut for the Nigerian national team in a friendly against Mexico in 2024, remains hopeful of making a step up to a more competitive European league.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Rafiu will hope to continue his impressive form to secure a move to a top European league.

Adeyemi Adewale

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