By Onyekachi Agu
James Samuel Friday, a very promising young goalkeeper from Nigeria, has recently made headlines following his transfer from Mavlon FC to SJK Seinäjoki II in Finland. Born on April 5, 2006, Friday is currently 18 years old and has already began to establish himself in the football scene between the sticks
Mavlon FC, a modest Nigerian side known for discovering and nurturing talented footballers beamed their search light on Friday at the cradle when he joined the club as a young boy in 2018. This early recruitment under the ‘catch them young’ policy of Mavlon, underscores the club’s confidence in his talent and highlights Ftiday’s unwavering dedication, which has been instrumental in his development as a promising footballer.
During his time with Mavlon FC, Friday also showcased his skills on the international stage, participating in prestigious events like the 73rd and 74th Viareggio Youth Tournaments in Italy.
On February 1, 2025, Friday officially joined SJK Seinäjoki II, a Finnish club where he aims to gain vital experience in a competitive environment and further develop his skills as a professional footballer.
Prior to this significant milestone for the young goalkeeper, who stands at 1.95m, Charlton Athletic of England has invited in to a training and development programme in London, where he displayed strong goalkeeping prowess to the delight of the technical crew and management.
On the international stage with Nigeria,
Friday has represented Nigeria at the U20 level, making his debut on March 7, 2024, under coach Ladan Bosso, where he showcased his potential by earning one cap for the national team, and he has from then continued to work hard and improving his game.
In modern day football where ball playing goalkeepers are now essential in all round play of a team from the defence to attack, Friday is blessed with quality ball passing skills that can connect his teammates from both far and near on the pitch, in a quick build up of transition from defence to attack
He is your ideal goalkeeper with great presence and command of his defenders to ensure safety of his goal area from rampaging attackers of the opponents.
There is no doubt that he will definately come good in the colours of SJK Seinäjoki II in Finland.
