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Canada has never been the easiest place for a young footballer to rise through the ranks.
Despite some recent improvements, the pathway remains limited, especially for those outside the MLS academy system.
But that didn’t deter Promise David, known simply as “Tobi.”
In 2019, he was scouted by a Croatian side, where he joined their youth setup.
His journey continued in September 2021 when he signed an academy deal with US-based club FC Tulsa.
From there, he moved to Estonia, signing with Nõmme Kalju, where he quickly made a name for himself.
In his final season in the Meistriliiga, he registered an impressive 14 goals and three assists in just 16 appearances.
This form earned him a three-year contract with Belgian Pro League side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Now, he’s drawing serious attention as one of the breakout prospects ahead of the summer transfer window, with links emerging to Ligue 1 giants Lille.
Who is Promise David?
At 6’5” / 196 cm and just 23 years old, Promise David, commonly known as “Tobi”, has surprisingly emerged as one of the most intriguing attacking talents in the Belgian Pro League with Royale Union SG this season.
His path to the top has been anything but straightforward.
Tobi earned a call-up to Nigerias youth national team after coming through the TFC Academy under coach Danny Dichio and navigating a series of lesser-known stops in his early career.
He eventually made headlines in early 2025 by committing his international future to Canada following a breakout season in Belgium.
His playing style fits the mould of a modern striker: powerful, mobile, and effective in partnership.
While he’s often deployed alongside another striker, he also has the instincts to operate as a pure poacher when needed.
Promise Davids radar chart in the next section highlights his strengths up front, showcasing his aerial presence, box activity, and ability to impact the final third in direct and physical ways.
Promise David Stats
Promise David is a physically dominant centre-forward who has been enjoying an impressive goalscoring season at Union Saint-Gilloise, netting 20 goals across 3,295 minutes.
This helped his club win the Belgian Pro League title for the first time in 90 years this season.
Promise David Radar Map
His output notably exceeds his expected goals (xG 13.1), suggesting sharp instincts in the box and a strong finishing touch.
He consi
