Nigerian striker Ishaq Kayode Rafiu has officially signed a contract extension with Slovenian side ND Primorje, committing his future to the Ajdovščina-based club until 2026.
In an exclusive interview with Kick Off Nigeria, the 23-year-old forward shared the reasons behind his decision to remain in Slovenia, highlighting the support he received from the club during a difficult time in his career.
Why Ishaq Rafiu Extended His Contract With ND Primorje
“ND Primorje came through for me and believed in me during my time of dejection after my contract termination with NK Maribor. My decision to extend my contract with the club is born out of gratitude—my way of showing appreciation to the club for their trust in me.”
“I feel great. They made me feel at home and welcomed me. Continuing my career with ND Primorje is something I really wanted to do—to thank them for believing in me. My aim is to perform even better than I did last season, and I believe we will achieve something big this time,” a confident Ishaq concluded.
Ishaq Rafiu’s Career Path: From Nigeria to Slovenia
Born in Nigeria, Ishaq Kayode Rafiu began his football journey at hometown side Abraysports. He later joined top Nigerian Premier League club 3SC in 2017 before making a name for himself at Rivers United.
Rafiu burst onto the scene at Rivers United during the 2019/2020 season, becoming one of the league’s standout performers. He scored 15 goals in 60 appearances, attracting interest from European clubs.
In 2022, the Nigerian forward signed for Slovenian giants NK Maribor. However, after failing to register a goal, he was released by the club.
Fresh Start at ND Primorje
In 2024, ND Primorje handed Rafiu a lifeline, signing him as a free agent. The forward has since impressed at the Ajdovščina Stadium, earning the trust of the coaching staff and fans alike. His new deal reflects the club’s belief in his potential to contribute to their long-term ambitions.
With his future now secured until 2026, Rafiu is focused on delivering strong performances in the Slovenian PrvaLiga and reigniting his career in European football.
