Who is the Nigerian striker, Atlético-MG's new signing? Find out | OneFootball

Taiwo Maamun Alao, 18, is Atlético-MG’s new bet for its youth setup. A right winger, the Nigerian left Sporting Lagos and will join the Under-20 squad. Born in August 2008, he also played for Ikorodu City, which finished fourth in the last Nigerian Championship.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that the transfer started being arranged in June. As Taiwo Alao was still 17, Atlético-MG waited until his 18th birthday to complete the presentation process.

From Sporting Lagos to professional football

Taiwo Alao came through Sporting Lagos’ youth ranks before reaching the first team. His spell at Ikorodu City, for example, served as an initial experience among adult players in his country.

His performances attracted interest from clubs in other football markets. According to two sources linked to the player’s camp, European teams were also monitoring the winger’s situation before Atlético-MG moved forward.

What are Taiwo Alao’s characteristics?

Taiwo Alao mainly plays on the right side of the attack and can also occupy more advanced positions. At Ikorodu City, he was described by the Nigerian club’s coaching staff as a skillful and dangerous player.

Speed and one-on-one ability are among the Nigerian’s main attributes. He plays out wide and is directly involved in attacking moves. At 18, he is still developing, but he already has professional football experience before beginning his cycle at Galo.

What was the agreement with Atlético-MG?

Atlético-MG signed Taiwo Alao to a three-year contract, valid until December 2029. The amount paid to Sporting Lagos and the financial structure of the deal were not disclosed by the parties involved.

The player is represented by Cem Sagar, CEO of Diamond Sports Management. The agent also represents Mamady Cissé, a Nigerian who joined Atlético-MG in 2025. The connection between the two players, therefore, also goes through the same agent.

Taiwo Alao will now have his first contact with Brazilian football. His time with Atlético-MG’s Under-20 side will be the starting point for his adaptation to the country and for the club to assess his performance in the coming years.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.