At only 20 years old, Israel Ayuma is rapidly gaining recognition as one of Nigeria’s most promising young midfielders, drawing comparisons to legends like John Mikel Obi and Paul Pogba, according to an exclusive report by Soccernet.ng.
Known for his calmness on the ball, composure under intense pressure, and ability to control the tempo against elite U-20 international teams, Ayuma is making waves on the global stage.
Yet behind this rising star lies a story of hardship and perseverance, beginning from the streets of Warri in Delta State and culminating in his current role at Croatian club NK Istra 1961.
In an exclusive interview with Soccernet.ng, Ayuma candidly shares his modest origins, the obstacles that almost made him abandon his dreams, his aspirations to represent the Super Eagles, and the pivotal moment that transformed his life.
His discovery by Mavlon FC, while simply hanging out on the streets, marks the beginning of a remarkable journey from raw potential to professional footballer-one that feels like a cinematic tale, yet is entirely true.
From Warri’s Streets to Croatian Football: Israel Ayuma’s Journey
“I was born and raised in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. Later, I moved to Lagos where I lived with my mentor for about two years. During that time, I trained with Mavlon Academy before making the leap to NK Istra,” Ayuma explained.
Jersey numbers often hold special meaning for players. For Ayuma, the number 10 is his preferred choice, worn during the 2025 World Cup. However, the number 6 jersey, famously worn by Paul Pogba at Manchester United, also holds a special place in his heart.
“Besides 10, I admire the number 6 jersey because growing up, I idolized Paul Pogba, who wore that number at Manchester United,” he shared.
Life was far from easy for Ayuma during his formative years, a stark contrast to the recognition he now enjoys.
“Growing up was tough. Warri didn’t have many top footballers to look up to. I made a firm decision to pursue football seriously, but there was no one to guide me. I was just drifting on the streets until my mentor discovered me and encouraged me to chase my dream,” he recalled.
“My family isn’t wealthy. My father is elderly, so I have responsibilities at home. After completing my WASSCE exams, I left to live independently. Meeting my mentor was a turning point-he brought me to Lagos. The training was grueling at first, and I wanted to quit, but his support kept me going. Now, I’m proud to be playing in Europe with NK Istra.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s Heavy Defeat to Argentina at the U-20 World Cup
Despite Nigeria’s disappointing 4-0 loss to Argentina at the U-20 World Cup, Ayuma’s midfield mastery was a highlight, though the defeat remains a painful memory for him and his teammates.
“Losing by four goals was tough to accept. I don’t blame any individual player. We made errors, and I think some teammates were intimidated by Argentina’s reputation. Confidence was what we lacked the most,” Ayuma admitted.
This newfound confidence has also been instrumental in his steady rise at NK Istra, where he is gradually earning more playing time and recognition in Croatia’s premier league.
Ambitions to Join the Super Eagles
Ayuma’s ultimate goal is to don the green and white jersey of Nigeria’s senior national team.
“Playing for the Super Eagles is my biggest dream. I pray for that opportunity and am ready to seize it when it comes. I want to show Nigerians that I’m prepared to fight for the badge and hopefully share the field with some of the nation’s top players,” he expressed.
Words of Encouragement for Aspiring Nigerian Footballers
To young talents chasing similar dreams, Ayuma offers straightforward advice.
“My message is simple: keep praying and work hard. That’s the key to success,” he emphasized.
Future Transfer Goals: England in Sight
When asked about his transfer ambitions, the young midfielder was clear about his preferred destination.
“Given my playing style, I’d say England is the league that suits me best,” Ayuma stated.
“I consider how my style fits with the club, what the club can offer me, and how I can contribute to the team’s success when making decisions about my career.”
EXCL
“Given my playing style, I’d say England,” Israel Ayuma told Soccernet.
“I consider how my style fits with the club, what the club can offer me, and how I can contribute to the team’s success when making decisions about my career.” #flyingeagles #Worlds2025 #EPL #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/4nuah3GYz0
– Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) October 16, 2025
Football Inspirations: From Iwobi to Mikel Obi
As he continues to develop, Ayuma draws motivation from both current and former Nigerian stars.
“Because of my position on the field, I admire Alex Iwobi since we share similar roles. Among all-time greats, Mikel Obi is someone I deeply respect,” he revealed.
The Story Behind Ayuma’s Discovery by Mavlon FC
The CEO of Mavlon FC recounted how a chance encounter on the streets led to Ayuma’s football career taking off.
“We first noticed him not on the pitch but just playing around with friends on the street. One of my scouts approached him and invited him to Lagos, and surprisingly, he agreed,” the CEO recalled.
“During his first friendly match, a scout close to me doubted his abilities, saying he couldn’t play. I disagreed, recognizing his technical skill. The very next day, he scored twice and showed remarkable progress. That’s when we realized his potential.”
“He wore the number 6 jersey-his favorite-and played both the number 8 and 10 roles for Mavlon for a long time. We received 16 offers for him, including from Juventus, but chose a smaller club to ensure he could develop and get playing time quickly.”
Despite his rapid rise, Ayuma faced significant setbacks.
“He suffered a groin injury involving a twisted nerve that sidelined him for over a year. Thankfully, he has fully recovered, and his journey continues,” the CEO added.
Anthony Ujah’s Perspective on Israel Ayuma
Veteran Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah, who has monitored Ayuma’s progress, offered high praise for the young midfielder.
“What he’s achieving at such a young age shows limitless potential. If he remains level-headed, focused, and injury-free-which he already is-I believe he can reach great heights,” Ujah commented.
“Discipline is a cornerstone at Mavlon Academy, and Ayuma has benefited immensely from that. The next step is to cement his place at Istra and then aim for a bigger league. But it’s important to take it one step at a time.”
Minutes before this interview, Ayuma was resting after a training session, focused on maintaining his form and continuing his development at NK Istra. With his sights set on England and the Super Eagles, his journey is only just beginning.
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