By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 17, 2024
Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets star Babatunde Akinsola said he is looking forward to making a bigger impact in the Portuguese topflight after signing a permanent deal with newly promoted side AVS Futebol SAD, Punch Sports Extra reports.
Akinsola penned a three-year deal after spending the previous season on loan from Spanish side Real Valladolid.
The 21-year-old initially joined AVS on loan, impressing during his six-month stint with the club and helping them gain promotion to the Portuguese top division.
After scoring one goal and providing two assists in the second division, the Valiant FC product is pumped to increase his tally this season.
“I’m very happy to be back. It’s been a fantastic few months, and that made my return easier. I feel like I can show my worth in Liga Portugal and help AVS secure their place in the league. I’m very motivated and looking forward to getting started,” Akinsola said.
Akinsola was part of the Golden Eaglets team between 2018 and 2019, making seven appearances for the Nigeria U-17 team.
Born in Lagos, Akinsola started his career with Nigerian side Valiant FC, his hometown non-league side.
In 2020, he joined the youth ranks of Swedish second-tier side Vasalunds IF and made his senior debut with the club on August 4, 2021, as a late substitute in a 1-0 Superettan home loss against Helsingborgs IF.
In September 2022, after returning to Valiant, Akinsola moved to La Liga side Real Valladolid on trial and signed an 18-month contract with the club on January 26, 2023.
He made his first team—and La Liga—debut on May 14, replacing Cyle Larin late into a 3-0 home loss to Sevilla.
He became the second Nigerian to play for the club after Bartholomew Ogbeche.
His new club, AVS, were founded in 2023 and gained promotion to the Portuguese first tier via the second-tier playoffs last season.
AVS beat Portimonense over two legs during the playoffs, sending the Algarve team down to the second tier after seven seasons.
Source Punch Ng
Posted August 17, 2024
You may also like...
AFCON Qualifier: Eagles can hit Pharaohs 4-0: Siasia...
Fury proposes tag-team fight against Joshua, Usyk
Liverpool Surrender EPF Top Spot to Manchester City...
Ronaldo Fuels Doubts Over Juventus Future
'I thought Trump was going to exit stage...
Lookman relishes Ballon d’Or nomination
Super Falcons unveil 10-star jersey ahead of WAFCON 2026
From Sporting Lisbon to Al Nassr: Ronaldo’s records so far
WAFCON favourites Nigeria eye World Cup slot, record prize money
Wikki Tourists administrator tasks players, coaches on NPFL return
Golf: Port Harcourt to host Nigerian National Finals
I’ve had enough, sprinter Onyah threatens to dump Nigeria
Onyeka warns teammates ahead EPL opener
The real money behind football’s biggest prizes
Nigeria to host CAF General Assembly November
Lessons from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals
NSSF boss Joseph elected ISF Africa president
Nigeria seek final spots at ITTF Africa Youth Champs
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,973 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,323 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,225 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,830 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,710 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,581 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,475 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,987 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,203 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,673 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,155 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,535 views)