Austrian second-tier club SC Austria Lustenau have strengthened their squad for the 2026/27 season with the arrival of Nigerian youngsters Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin, who both joined on season-long loan deals from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
The pair, regarded among Nigeria’s exciting young prospects, will spend the campaign at Austria Lustenau as they continue their development with regular first-team football.
Precious Benjamin and Emmanuel Chukwu Continue Their Development in Austria
Both players made the move to Hoffenheim from Nigeria in February 2025, where they initially featured for the Bundesliga club’s U19 team before earning opportunities in senior football.
Benjamin, a 19-year-old striker, arrives after gaining valuable experience in the Austrian Bundesliga during a loan spell at SCR Altach, where he made nine league appearances.
Before completing his move, he spent two weeks on trial with Austria Lustenau and impressed the coaching staff during the club’s pre-season preparations, convincing them to secure his signature.
Speaking after joining the Green-Whites, Benjamin expressed his delight at the opportunity.
“I am very happy to be wearing the Austria Lustenau jersey. It is a great honor to represent these colours and the responsibility that comes with this crest. I want to do my part to help the team enjoy a successful season, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Defender Emmanuel Chukwu also completed a season-long loan switch after spending last season with Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger AC, where he featured in 10 league matches.
The 19-year-old centre-back, who stands at 1.90 metres, is capable of operating across the defensive line and arrives with experience at youth international level, having represented Nigeria’s U20 national team.
Reflecting on his move, Chukwu said:
“Austria Lustenau felt like the right step for me at this stage of my career. The club’s vision, the professionalism of everyone involved and the opportunity to play at a high level made the decision easy.
I’m looking forward to this new chapter and can’t wait to get started with my teammates and the fans.”
Childhood Friends Reunite at Austria Lustenau
Austria Lustenau sporting director Dieter Alge believes both Nigerians possess the qualities to make an immediate impact while continuing their development.
Alge described Benjamin as a forward who fits the club’s long-term philosophy and is capable of taking the next step in his career in the right environment.
He also praised Chukwu’s physical presence, pace, composure on the ball and ability to strengthen the team’s defensive unit.
Their reunion at Austria Lustenau is particularly special. Chukwu and Benjamin share a remarkable journey that began long before professional football.
The duo grew up in the same village in Nigeria, attended kindergarten and school together, remained close friends throughout their childhood, and now find themselves teammates once again after following identical career paths from Nigeria to Hoffenheim and now to Austria Lustenau.
For both players, the loan move offers another opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience as they continue their pursuit of breaking into Hoffenheim’s senior squad in the future.