Nigeria, June 8 -- A year ago, few football fans outside northern Nigeria had heard of Zadok Yohanna.

Today, the teenager from Bauchi State is one of the most sought-after young footballers in Europe after securing a move to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal reportedly worth £21.5 million.

From former Senate President Bukola Saraki to thousands of other football fans across Nigeria, Yohanna's inspirational rise has flooded social media timelines.

Beyond the inspirational nature of his story, the transfer is remarkable for several other reasons. Reports indicate that the deal surpassed the highest fee ever paid for a player from Sweden's top division, underlining just how highly the teenager is rated.

From the d...