Peter Edokpolor has tied his future to Benfica at a moment that feels tailor-made for a teenager with something to prove, Footynaija.com reports.
Born in Lagos on Christmas Eve 2006, the 19-year-old joined Benfica from Nigerian club Galadima FC ahead of the 2024/25 season, becoming one of a growing number of young Nigerians finding their way into the academy systems of European giants.
The forward spent his debut campaign split between the under-23s and the B team, making 35 appearances and scoring six goals across both setups, a return that earned him not just a contract renewal but a place in pre-season plans under the club’s new first-team coach.
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Marco Silva, the Portuguese manager, spent four years at Fulham before taking over the Lisbon giants this summer. Edokpolor is among a small group of young players Benfica have identified for Silva to assess during pre-season, which kicked off this week, making the timing of the renewal particularly significant.
He is not simply staying in the building. He is being handed a proper look.
Speaking to BTV, as confirmed by O’Jogo, the teenager talked about what the moment means.
“This renewal means a lot to me. I’m very happy to renew with this incredible club. I consider Benfica one of the best clubs in the whole world, so I’m very happy. It’s a great privilege to be able to play for Benfica,” he said.
He also gave an honest account of last season’s trajectory before setting out what he expects from himself going forward.
“Last season was very good for me. I started the season in the U23s and finished in the B team. My work allowed for that change and it was an incredible season,” Edokpolor said.
“This renewal brings me many challenges. I have to prove my worth, give my all. I want to achieve a lot with Benfica, I have to be in my best form to be able to win and score goals.”
For a 19-year-old from Lagos who arrived in Lisbon two years ago from the Nigerian amateur leagues, that ambition is well within reach.
