Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – F.C. Copenhagen has completed the signing of two promising Gambian talents, Sheikh Jaw and Mustapha Nyassi, from the reigning Gambian champions, Real de Banjul. The pair is set to officially join the Danish club in January 2026.
Both players played key roles in Real de Banjul’s recent championship-winning campaign and had previously spent time in Copenhagen for a trial training session. Their performances and development have since been closely monitored by the Danish Superliga giants.
Eighteen-year-old Sheikh Jaw, an exciting winger known for his pace and flair, and seventeen-year-old right-back Mustapha Nyassi, who combines defensive strength with solid passing ability, will both join F.C. Copenhagen’s U19 squad upon arrival.
Strategic and Long-Term Recruitment and High Expectations for Gambian Prospects
F.C. Copenhagen’s Development Director, Morten Grahn, described the signings as part of the club’s broader strategy of nurturing international prospects through its youth system.
“The agreements with Sheikh and Mustapha are a good example of how we work strategically and long-term with recruitment at FCK Talent,” Grahn said.
“The FCK model is about combining international recruitment with strong local talent development, creating an environment where players from different cultures can grow together, learn from each other, and develop to perform at the highest level.”
Head of Recruitment Mikkel Køhler praised the pair’s abilities and potential, noting that they had chosen F.C. Copenhagen despite international competition.
“These are two exciting players in whom we see great potential,” Køhler said. “Sheikh comes with strong offensive top skills, especially in his 1v1 situations, where he brings great speed, change of pace, and technique. Mustapha is a physically strong player with good defensive 1v1 skills and really good passing ability. We believe both have a future in European football.”
The signing of Jaw and Nyassi marks another milestone in F.C. Copenhagen’s international youth recruitment efforts and highlights the growing recognition of Gambian football talent on the European stage.
