- Czech Cup winners Slavia Prague have secured the services of exciting striker Muhamed Tijani, strengthening their attacking lineup.
The 22-year-old player, who impressively netted eleven goals for Baník Ostrava during the 2022/2023 season, has inked a contract with Slavia Prague until June 30, 2028.
Slavia sports director Jiří Bílek expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, stating, "We have acquired a fit, powerful, and productive striker. Tijani had a fantastic spring season, and our extensive observations of him instilled confidence in his abilities. With our dedicated implementation team, we believe he will continue to make progress. Considering his age, being just twenty-two years old, we are optimistic about his potential. Additionally, Tijani is acquainted with Igoh, who will assist him in settling in. We wholeheartedly support him and hope his time at Eden unfolds as envisioned."
Expressing his enthusiasm, Tijani shared his thoughts on the move, stating, "I am thrilled and relish the challenges that lie ahead.
"Joining Slavia Prague presents precisely the type of challenge I was seeking. I eagerly await the European matches and interacting with the fans.
"My ambition is to become the league's top scorer someday. I have a special bond with Igoh, having played together in the youth team. Olayinka has been a tremendous inspiration, not only for me but for other Nigerian footballers as well. I aspire to achieve similar success in my career."
Tijani started his football journey with Nigerian club 36 Lion, where renowned talents such as Peter Olayinka, Yira Sor, and Moses Usor also honed their skills.
Since September 2018, Tijani has been associated with Baník Ostrava. In the summer of 2019, he embarked on a loan spell with second-division side Třinec and made his top-tier debut on June 3, 2020, representing Karvina against Slovácko.
During the 2020/21 season, Tijani seized his opportunity with Baník, featuring in eleven matches and scoring his maiden league goal in September 2020 against Pardubice.
In the summer of 2021, he joined second-division side Táborsk on a one-year loan and made a significant impact. Emerging as a key player, Tijani found the back of the net nine times and contributed two assists in 28 appearances. Subsequently, he rejoined Baník for pre-season training.
The just-concluded campaign has seen Tijani's rise to prominence. Standing at an impressive height of 191 centimeters, the striker participated in 32 matches, netting eleven goals. Notably, eight of those goals came during the final stages of the season when Baník battled to avoid the playoffs.
Tijani's standout performances included a brace against Plzeň and Pardubice, a hat-trick against Olomouc, and a goal in the resounding victory over Brno. Moreover, he contributed two assists to his team's cause.
Tijani has also represented Nigeria in various youth national team selections, including the 2019 Under-20 World Cup, where he played alongside Slavia defender, Igoh Ogbu.
