Benin Football: Adnan Aziz Eyes Argentina Move as Chacarita Juniors and Deportivo Riestra Emerge as Potential Destinations

SAPA TOKOH | JATIMSATUNEWS.COM: After months on the sidelines following an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee, Beninese U23 international Adnan Aziz is making encouraging progress in his return to football. Having resumed training earlier than expected, the 24-year-old striker is now looking towards a potential new chapter in Argentina, where Chacarita Juniors and Deportivo Riestra have been identified as possible destinations for trials in January 2027.

For Adnan Aziz, the road back is beginning to take shape. After a difficult period marked by surgery, rehabilitation and months away from competitive football, the Beninese forward has returned to training, offering fresh hope for the next stage of his career.

Born in Djougou, northern Benin, Aziz has endured one of the most challenging periods of his young footballing journey. His progress was interrupted by a serious injury that forced him away from the pitch and into a lengthy recovery programme.

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The striker suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and underwent surgery in May 2026. Initially, January 2027 had been considered a possible timeframe for his return. However, he has now resumed training ahead of schedule.

His comeback includes both individual sessions and collective training with his team. While this represents an encouraging development, a return to official competition will depend on his physical condition and the successful completion of the remaining stages of his recovery.

Argentina: A new opportunity on the horizon

Beyond his rehabilitation, another development could shape the next chapter of Aziz’s career.

The Beninese forward is considering an opportunity in Argentina, a country renowned for its football culture, competitive intensity and ability to develop talented players.

Two clubs have emerged as potential destinations for January 2027: Chacarita Juniors and Deportivo Riestra.

The proposed plan is for Aziz to travel to Argentina and undergo trials with both clubs, giving him an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and convince their coaching staff of his potential.

Chacarita Juniors has already featured in discussions surrounding his future, while Deportivo Riestra represents another possible option as he explores opportunities in South American football.

At this stage, neither move should be considered a confirmed transfer. The proposed trials would provide an opportunity for the striker to showcase his qualities, assess a new footballing environment and potentially secure another professional experience abroad.

From Djougou to European football

Born on 1 January 2002 in Djougou, Adnan Aziz has gradually developed his career across Benin and several European countries.

His early footballing experiences included Tchémabi FC and Soleil FC before he continued his development abroad.

His journey subsequently took him to Italy, the Czech Republic and France, where he had spells with several clubs, including Pro Cittiglio, FK Králův Dvůr, Angers MFC, Olympique Saumur, Licata Calcio and ASD Juvenilia Roseto.

These experiences have allowed him to discover different footballing cultures and adapt to various competitive environments.

At international level, Aziz has also represented Benin’s youth national teams, including the U20 and U23 sides. With the U23 team, he has recorded one goal in three friendly appearances.

His international experience remains an important part of his ambition to establish himself beyond the domestic game.

Overcoming injury and rebuilding his career

The ACL injury represented a major setback in Aziz’s development.

For a 24-year-old striker seeking to strengthen his position in European football, several months away from competition represented a significant challenge.

His operation in May 2026 marked the beginning of a demanding rehabilitation period, requiring patience, discipline and consistent physical work.

Rather than abandoning his ambitions, however, Aziz remained focused on returning to the pitch and continuing his professional journey.

His early return to training is now an encouraging sign of progress. It allows him to gradually rediscover the rhythm of team sessions and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Nevertheless, caution remains essential. Returning to training does not automatically mean a player is ready for competitive matches. Full recovery and medical assessment will remain crucial in determining when he can safely return to official football.

January 2027: A potentially decisive month

The coming weeks could prove important in determining the direction of Adnan Aziz’s career.

If his physical progress continues positively, January 2027 could provide an opportunity to take another significant step through the proposed trials in Argentina.

Chacarita Juniors and Deportivo Riestra represent two possible platforms for the Beninese forward to test himself in a different footballing environment and present his qualities to Argentine clubs.

For Aziz, the challenge is twofold: complete his recovery under the best possible conditions and seize the opportunity to relaunch his career on an international stage.

Beyond the names of the clubs involved, this ambition reflects a player determined not to allow injury to define the limits of his future.

Adnan Aziz: A new chapter awaits

From northern Benin to European football, and through an injury that temporarily interrupted his progress, Adnan Aziz’s journey reflects the determination of a player who continues to pursue his ambitions despite setbacks.

Today, his return to training has come earlier than expected. Tomorrow, Argentina could offer the setting for a new opportunity.

At 24, the Beninese U23 international is determined to rebuild his career and continue pursuing his footballing ambitions beyond his country’s borders.

January 2027 could mark the beginning of a new chapter. Having overcome one of the most difficult periods of his young career, Adnan Aziz is now looking towards Argentina, with Chacarita Juniors and Deportivo Riestra among the clubs in his sights. The comeback has begun. The next challenge is to turn that ambition into a concrete opportunity.