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Bundesliga Club Reward Nigerian Forward With First Professional Contract After Academy Rise

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German Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach have handed Nigerian forward Josiah Uwakhonye his first professional contract, marking a major milestone in the youngster’s football journey.

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The highly rated attacker has signed a long term deal that will keep him at the club until June 2029 after years of steady progress through Gladbach’s academy system.

Uwakhonye, who is eligible to represent Nigeria, joined Borussia Monchengladbach’s youth setup in 2015 after arriving from SC Union Nettetal as a seven year old. Since then, he has developed into one of the club’s most promising attacking prospects.

Comfortable with both feet and capable of playing across the frontline, the youngster built an impressive record at youth level. He scored 13 goals in 31 appearances for the club’s Under-17 side before adding 25 goals in 49 matches for the Under-19 team.

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His performances earned him promotion to Borussia Monchengladbach’s U23 side, where he featured 16 times in the Regionalliga West during the 2025–26 campaign and found the net four times.

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Reacting to the announcement, Uwakhonye expressed his delight on social media after putting pen to paper on his first professional deal.

The young forward thanked his family, teammates, coaches and everyone who contributed to his development, while also expressing excitement about the next phase of his career.

The contract represents a significant vote of confidence from Borussia Monchengladbach, especially considering the injury setback he suffered toward the end of last season. The Nigerian prospect was sidelined after sustaining an ankle ligament injury that prematurely ended his campaign. Despite the setback, the Bundesliga club remained convinced of his long term potential. (

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Uwakhonye’s rise will be closely monitored by Nigerian football followers, with the teenager joining a growing list of Nigerian heritage talents making their way through the academies of major European clubs.

With his future now secured, the next challenge for the exciting attacker will be breaking into Borussia Monchengladbach’s senior setup and continuing his development at one of Germany’s most respected football institutions.

I’m a sports journalist and blogger with a strong passion for football, covering news, match analysis, and transfer updates. Over the years, I’ve focused on delivering clear, engaging, and insightful content for fans who want more than just headlines... I hold a degree in Computer Science from Kampala University, which helps me bring a more analytical and data-driven approach to my work... Beyond writing, I’m always exploring new ways to grow in sports media and connect with a wider audience.