Soccer
Sporting Lagos at the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg. Copyright: Imago
Nigerian youngster Seun Akanji has completed a permanent move to Norwegian club Lillestrom SK from Sporting Lagos, Soccernet.ng reports.
The highly-rated 18-year-old attacker has signed a long-term contract with the Norwegian side and will be with them until 2030, ending months of speculation surrounding his future after emerging as one of the brightest young talents in Nigerian football.
Akanji enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign with Sporting Lagos, playing a key role in the club’s successful promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League after they won the Nigeria National League title.
His performances throughout the season attracted interest from Europe, with Lillestrom moving swiftly to secure his services after monitoring him for over a year.
The Norwegian club’s interest dates back around 18 months, when Akanji impressed during a trial stint, convincing them to keep tabs on his development before eventually finalising a deal this summer.
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The transfer marks the teenager’s first move outside Nigeria and represents another example of Sporting Lagos’ growing reputation as a breeding ground for elite young talents.
Soccer Seun Akanji’s words after switching from Sporting Lagos to Lillestrom
Speaking after completing his first training sessions with his new club, Akanji admitted he was excited by the challenge awaiting him in Norway.
“It feels good. It’s a big step for me, but I see it as the beginning of something bigger,” Akanji said in quotes revealed by Footy-Africa.
“I’m here to work, improve and show the world what I can do. It is no doubt a big move and a big challenge, but it is one I am fully prepared to take on.”
The winger also highlighted the differences he has already noticed since arriving in Europe.
“It’s all about consistency and hard work. I kept learning, listening to my coaches and following their technical instructions.
“The quality here is very high, and I want to keep improving, help the team and take every opportunity that comes my way.”
Akanji further revealed his long-term ambition remains to represent Nigeria at the senior level.
“Playing for the Super Eagles is a dream, but for now I’m focused on doing well here. If I perform consistently, I’m sure the call-up will come.”
Lillestrom Sporting Director Espen Olsen also expressed his excitement towards what the youngster can become with the Norwegian club.
“Seun impressed us big when he was on trial at the age of 16 in January 2025,” the 47-year-old said as revealed by the club’s official website.
“Now he’s finally formally ready for LSK and we’re really looking forward to further developing him here at the club. He’s an exciting and explosive player that we see great potential in,” Olsen concluded.
The teenager joins Lillestrom with a growing reputation after starring for Sporting Lagos in both the club’s academy setup and senior side.
Known for his pace, dribbling ability and direct attacking style, Akanji hopes to follow in the footsteps of several Nigerian players like Akor Adams and Igoh Ogbu, who have used Scandinavian football as a springboard to catapult their careers in Europe and into the Super Eagles squad.
For Sporting Lagos, his departure represents another success story in player development, while for Lillestrom, the club will be hoping the Nigerian youngster can quickly adapt and fulfil his potential in the Eliteserien.
Lillestrom are currently third on the Eliteserien table, six points behind league leaders Tromsø.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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