The Public Security football team announces a striker about to gain Vietnamese citizenship

Ho Chi Minh City Public Security officially signed Michael Olaha, opening up a major opportunity going forward as the Nigerian striker is undergoing the process of acquiring Vietnamese citizenship.

On July 16, Ho Chi Minh City Public Security Club officially announced Michael Olaha as their new signing for the 2026/27 season. This is not only an experienced addition to their attack but also presents a promising personnel option if the Nigerian forward completes his naturalization procedures in Vietnam in the future.

In the welcoming message, the team based at Thong Nhat Stadium emphasized: “Welcome forward Olaha to the Ho Chi Minh City Public Security Football Club. Possessing an ideal physique at 1.86m tall, along with a powerful playing style, strong hold-up ability, good wall play, and diverse finishing, Olaha is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the attack of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Security Football Club on the upcoming journey.”

This announcement confirms the deal that had been mentioned since late May. Olaha parted ways with Song Lam Nghe An after a total of eight seasons wearing the shirt of the Nghe An team across two periods. He first arrived at Vinh Stadium in 2017, left Vietnam to play in Israel, then returned to SLNA and gradually became a leader, eventually being awarded the captain's armband.

Olaha played all 26 matches and scored nine goals in the 2025/26 V.League. In the National Cup, he added two more goals in just one appearance. Earlier, the 2023/24 season was his most explosive period, with 13 goals in 26 league matches. These numbers show that Ho Chi Minh City Public Security are not betting on an unknown name but rather selecting a player who has been proven over multiple seasons.

The value of this deal also lies in the player's potential for naturalization. According to VTC News, Olaha has already met the necessary conditions to apply for Vietnamese citizenship and is in the process of completing the paperwork with support from relevant parties.

Olaha himself has publicly expressed that aspiration: “I have thought about it many times. If given the opportunity, I definitely want to become a Vietnamese citizen. I always follow the national team, and if called up, I will be ready to give my all.”

Professionally, this special asset can help Ho Chi Minh City Public Security increase their strength in physical battles, wall-play ability, and goal-scoring depth. Olaha has enough experience to lead the attack while also supporting fast-paced attacking players around him. If naturalization is successful, the Public Security team could also free up space to arrange foreign players in other positions.

After many years as a cornerstone at Vinh Stadium, Olaha now faces a new challenge in a team with higher ambitions. Therefore, his debut at Ho Chi Minh City Public Security may only be the first door in a journey that holds even more promise ahead.