SC Austria Lustenau have completed the signing of promising Nigerian striker Precious Benjamin on a season-long loan from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim ahead of the 2026/27 Austrian Bundesliga campaign, Trybal News reports.
The 19-year-old centre-forward joins the newly promoted Austrian top-flight side after spending the second half of last season on loan at SCR Altach, where he gained valuable experience with seven Austrian Bundesliga appearances.
Benjamin earned his move to Lustenau following an impressive trial with the club, catching the eye of head coach Markus Mader during a pre-season test match against FC Wil. His performances convinced the club to finalize a loan agreement with Hoffenheim.
The young striker arrived in Europe from Nigerian grassroots outfit Grassrunners FC in early 2025, quickly adapting to life in Germany with Hoffenheim’s U19 side before progressing into senior football.
A second consecutive season in the Austrian Bundesliga is expected to provide Benjamin with the platform to earn consistent playing time and continue his development at one of Europe’s competitive proving grounds for young talent.
Lustenau will also reunite Benjamin with fellow Nigerian Emmanuel Chukwu, who recently joined the club. The pair share a remarkable story, having grown up in the same village in Nigeria, attended kindergarten and school together, and remained close friends since early childhood.
Now, their football journeys have come full circle as they prepare to wear the green and white of Austria Lustenau together, marking another milestone in a friendship that began long before either dreamed of playing professional football in Europe.
