Seun Akanji completes Lillestrom move after Sporting Lagos breakthrough

Posted : 14 July 2026

Sporting Lagos winger Seun Akanji has completed a permanent transfer to Norwegian club Lillestrom SK, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030. The move follows an impressive season in which the 18-year-old played a key role in Sporting Lagos' promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League after winning the Nigeria National League title.

Lillestrom had tracked Akanji for more than a year after inviting him for a trial in January 2025. His performances during that visit convinced the Norwegian club to secure an option to sign him once he turned 18, and the deal has now been completed. Sporting director Espen Olsen described the youngster as an exciting and explosive player with significant potential, adding that the club looks forward to helping him develop further.

The transfer marks Akanji's first move to European football and continues Sporting Lagos' growing reputation for producing young talent capable of making the jump abroad. The pacey winger impressed throughout the 2025/26 campaign with his direct attacking style, dribbling ability and consistency, attracting attention from scouts across Europe before Lillestrom secured his signature.

Speaking after his arrival in Norway, Akanji expressed his excitement about the next stage of his career. He described the transfer as a major step and said he views it as the beginning of something bigger. The teenager also admitted the standard of football in Norway has already made an impression on him.

"The quality here is very high," Akanji said. "I want to keep improving, help the team and take every opportunity that comes my way." He added that representing Nigeria's Super Eagles remains a long-term ambition, but insisted his immediate focus is on performing consistently for his new club.

Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffery Büter praised Akanji's progress before his departure, describing him as one of the most talented players he has coached. The winger received an emotional farewell from teammates after rising through the club's academy to become an important member of the promotion-winning first team.

Akanji will now hope to follow the path of several Nigerian players who have used Scandinavian football as a platform to establish themselves in Europe and earn Super Eagles recognition. Meanwhile, Lillestrom, currently among the leading sides in Norway's Eliteserien, will be aiming to help the young winger fulfil the potential that first caught their attention during his trial 18 months ago.

Seun Akanji completes Lillestrom move after Sporting Lagos breakthrough

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