Muhamed Tijani, a Nigerian striker formerly with the Flying Eagles, has finally broken his scoring drought for Plymouth Argyle, netting his first goal for the Championship side in a 1-1 draw against Cardiff City. This crucial goal, scored after coming on as a second-half substitute, not only salvaged a point for his struggling team but also marked a significant personal milestone for Tijani, who had endured a challenging start to his English football career. The goal, celebrated in front of the home crowd at Home Park, brought immense relief and joy to the 24-year-old, who expressed his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. The goal represents a turning point for Tijani, who had set an ambitious 20-goal target for himself before an unfortunate hamstring injury sidelined him for a significant portion of the season.
Tijani’s journey to Plymouth Argyle began with a loan move from Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic, a deal that includes an option for a permanent transfer. The young striker arrived in England with high hopes and a desire to make an impact in the Championship. However, his early days were marred by a hamstring tear sustained during training in October, an injury that forced him to miss 21 games and significantly hampered his progress. Prior to the injury, Tijani had only managed three appearances for Plymouth, all coming off the bench. The injury setback undoubtedly tested his resilience and patience, but he remained determined to overcome the challenge and contribute to the team’s cause.
The goal against Cardiff City marked Tijani’s fifth appearance since returning from injury, all of which have been as a substitute. While he has yet to earn a starting position, his impact off the bench has been undeniable. His goal not only secured a vital point for Plymouth Argyle but also provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale. The point gained from the draw pushed Plymouth up to 22nd place in the Championship standings, still in the relegation zone but with renewed hope of escaping the drop. They now sit just three points away from safety, a testament to their fighting spirit and Tijani’s timely contribution.
Tijani’s footballing journey began in his native Nigeria, where he honed his skills with 36 Lion FC in Lagos before embarking on a European adventure. His first European stop was Baník Ostrava in the Czech Republic in 2018. He subsequently gained valuable experience through loan spells at Třinec, Karviná, and Táborsko, further developing his game and adapting to the European style of play. These loan spells provided him with crucial playing time and helped him refine his skills, preparing him for the challenges of top-flight football.
In June 2023, Tijani’s performances earned him a move to Slavia Prague, one of the Czech Republic’s most prominent clubs. He signed a contract that ties him to the club until 2028, demonstrating Slavia Prague’s belief in his potential. He made his debut in the Czech First League with Baník Ostrava, where he also scored his first professional league goal, marking a significant milestone in his career. Now, he finds himself in England, playing under the tutelage of footballing legend Wayne Rooney, adding another exciting chapter to his developing story.
Plymouth Argyle narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship last season, finishing just one point above the drop zone. Recognizing the need for a fresh perspective and a renewed drive, the club appointed Wayne Rooney as their new manager. Rooney, a Manchester United and England icon, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the club. His appointment has injected a sense of optimism and ambition into Plymouth Argyle, with fans hoping that Rooney can guide the team to a more secure position in the Championship and avoid another relegation battle. Tijani’s goal and subsequent performances will be crucial in achieving this objective.
