Super Eagles midfielder Samson Tijani was notably absent when Czech club Dukla Prague resumed preparations for the new season, sparking speculation about his future at the club.
The Nigerian midfielder has been linked with a possible move away from Dukla Prague following the club’s relegation from the Czech top flight, leading to suggestions that his absence from the opening days of preseason training could be transfer related.
However, reports from the Czech Republic indicate that Tijani’s delayed return has nothing to do with ongoing transfer speculation.
Instead, the former Red Bull Salzburg midfielder was granted additional time off after international commitments with Nigeria earlier this month. Tijani was part of the Super Eagles squad during the recent international window, which extended his offseason schedule compared to several of his club teammates.
As a result, Dukla Prague allowed the 23 year old to report back later than the rest of the squad as preparations begin for the upcoming campaign.
Tijani remains under contract with the Prague based club and is expected to rejoin training once his approved leave period comes to an end.
The midfielder enjoyed a consistent run of appearances during the 2025–26 season and was one of the players who continued to attract attention despite Dukla Prague’s struggles. His performances have led to interest from clubs monitoring potential opportunities in the summer transfer market.
Having developed through Nigeria’s youth national teams before earning senior recognition, Tijani is still regarded as one of the country’s promising midfield options. His ability to operate in both defensive and central midfield roles has made him a valuable asset at club level.
While questions remain over where he will play next season, there is currently no indication that his absence from preseason training is connected to an imminent transfer.
For now, the focus remains on returning to full training and helping determine the next chapter of his career as the European summer window gathers momentum.
