Akanji Joins Lillestrom From Sporting Lagos
The 18 year old attacker’s first move outside Nigeria takes him to Norway on a contract until 2030, capping an 18 month courtship that began with a trial at 16.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
Seun Akanji has completed his first move outside Nigeria, signing a long-term contract with Norwegian club Lillestrom SK from Sporting Lagos that will keep him at the club until 2030.
The 18 year old attacker was a key figure in Sporting Lagos’ promotion winning campaign, helping the club return to the NPFL after clinching the Nigeria National League title. His form throughout the season drew attention from European clubs, with Lillestrom moving to secure him after tracking his progress for roughly a year and a half, dating back to a trial spell as a 16 year old in January 2025.
Speaking after his first training sessions in Norway, Akanji said he was excited by the challenge ahead and views the move as the start of something bigger for his career, telling Footy Africa he is fully prepared to take it on. He also pointed to the noticeably higher standard he has encountered since arriving, saying it has pushed him to keep learning from his new coaches and stay focused on consistent performances.
Lillestrom sporting director Espen Olsen said the club had been impressed by Akanji since that initial trial, describing him as an exciting, explosive player with clear long term potential now that the formalities of the move are complete.
Akanji has made clear that a Super Eagles call up remains a long term ambition, though he says his immediate focus is on establishing himself at his new club. He joins a growing list of Nigerian players, including Akor Adams and Igoh Ogbu, who have used Scandinavian football as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities in Europe.
Did You Know?
- Seun Akanji’s contract with Lillestrom SK runs until 2030.
- He helped Sporting Lagos win the Nigeria National League title and secure promotion to the NPFL last season.
- Lillestrom first identified Akanji during a trial in January 2025, when he was 16 years old.
- This transfer marks Akanji’s first move outside Nigerian football.
- Espen Olsen, Lillestrom’s sporting director, is 47 years old.
- Lillestrom are currently third in the Eliteserien table, six points behind leaders Tromso.
- Fellow Nigerians Akor Adams and Igoh Ogbu previously used Scandinavian football as a route into wider European opportunities.
