Ex-Eaglet Akinsola fired up by AVS deal

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.