RB Leipzig received a timely boost as Nigeria U-20 winger Sani Suleiman returned to full training this week, making him available for selection ahead of their crucial Bundesliga clash against St. Pauli. The 19-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Slovakian club AS Trenčín for €5 million plus add-ons in January 2026, signed a five-year contract until June 2031. Suleiman, a former Akwa United youth product, has yet to make his debut due to consecutive injuries—an ankle issue followed by a hip problem—that sidelined him for over two months. Leipzig head coach Ole Werner confirmed Suleiman's return to training alongside Dutch midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi, who also resumed team activities after recovering from a knee injury. "With Banzuzi and Sani, who returned this week, we'll have to see how we manage the squad or whether they are fully fit to play again," Werner said, as reported by Liga Insider. The German side faces St. Pauli and then UEFA Europa League finalists SC Freiburg in their final two league matches, with one win needed to secure qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League. Suleiman was part of Nigeria's U-20 squad at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where the Flying Eagles were eliminated in the round of 16 following a 4-0 loss to Argentina.
Sani Suleiman's return to training comes only after months of setbacks that have kept him from making his Leipzig debut despite a €5 million transfer. The club's investment remains unrealized on the pitch, with Suleiman yet to play a single competitive minute. His presence in the Nigeria U-20 team during their early exit in Chile showed limited impact on the international stage. Until he features in a match, his comeback is only a promise, not a proven contribution.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
