BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Deportivo Riestra has officially announced the signing of Nigerian forward Johnson Nsumoh, bringing to an complete a protracted two-month wait for visa approval. The 24-year-old, who was registered with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in January, signed a contract through December 31, 2026, and joined the team after arriving at Ezeiza International Airport on Saturday.
Nsumoh joins El Malevo after most recently playing for Baník Lehota, where he made 12 appearances, scoring twice and providing two assists. Prior to that, the forward developed his game in Malta and Slovakia, gaining experience in European football before making the move to South America. Riestra officials highlighted Nsumoh’s versatility, noting his ability to play as a central striker or on either wing, and praised his speed and aggressive attacking style.
The delay in Nsumoh’s arrival stemmed from bureaucratic hurdles in securing his visa. Even as the club had completed the initial registration with the AFA in January, the process of obtaining the necessary documentation proved lengthy. The club confirmed that the consulate ultimately approved the visa, allowing for his travel to Argentina and integration into the squad.
Upon arrival in Argentina, Nsumoh was quick to express his admiration for some of the world’s top attacking talents. “My favorite is (Eden) Hazard. Yes, I love Hazard. I love (Lionel) Messi because I play a little like them. So Messi, Hazard, Neymar, those kinds of players,” he said, according to reports from Sportscenter. He revealed that back home in Nigeria, he’s often nicknamed “Hazard nigeriano” – the Nigerian Hazard – due to stylistic similarities.
Deportivo Riestra celebrated the arrival of their new signing on social media, posting a photo of Nsumoh in the club’s colors with the caption “Y un día llegó” (“And one day arrived”). A subsequent video showed Nsumoh wrapped in a Nigerian flag, expressing his excitement to join the club: “I’m here. Vamos Riestra!”
Born on June 14, 2001, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Nsumoh has accumulated 88 professional appearances, scoring six goals and providing 13 assists. His most productive spell came with Mosta FC in Malta, where he played 1,149 minutes across 24 matches, scoring two goals and adding three assists. He as well scored in a UEFA Conference League qualifying match while with Mosta.
Nsumoh’s arrival is noteworthy given the relatively limited presence of African players in Argentina’s Primera División. While several African footballers have played in the league over the years, their numbers remain small. Cameroonian Alphonse Tchami is perhaps the most fondly remembered, having played for Boca Juniors in the 1990s and scoring a crucial goal in a Superclásico against River Plate.
Other Nigerian players who have attempted to make their mark in Argentine football include Félix Orode, who had a brief stint with San Lorenzo in 2009, and Okikiola Afolabi, who played a single official match for Talleres de Córdoba in 2016. Arouna Dang Bissene also spent time with Huracán and Tigre without making a significant impact.
Riestra will be hoping Nsumoh can provide an immediate boost to their attack. The team has struggled at the start of the 2026 Apertura tournament, currently holding just five points from eight matches – five draws and three losses. The club hopes Nsumoh’s addition will strengthen their push for a playoff spot and prepare them for the upcoming Copa Sudamericana competition.
El Malevo’s next challenge is a home match against Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza on Thursday, March 12, at Estadio Guillermo Laza, kicking off at 5:00 PM local time (8:00 PM UTC). They then travel to face Central Córdoba de Santiago del Estero on Tuesday, March 17, at 9:00 PM local time (12:00 AM UTC March 18), as they navigate the final stretch of the Apertura’s regular season.
The arrival of Johnson Nsumoh represents a significant investment for Deportivo Riestra as they look to improve their fortunes in the Argentine top flight. Whether “Hazard nigeriano” can live up to the nickname and deliver consistent performances remains to be seen, but his signing has undoubtedly generated excitement among the club’s supporters.
Deportivo Riestra will be looking to turn their season around, and Nsumoh’s integration into the squad will be a key factor in their efforts. Fans will be eager to see how the Nigerian forward adapts to the Argentine league and contributes to the team’s success.
