Colchester United has announced their retained and released list for the season, confirming the release of John Akinde, the 34 year old Nigerian striker who has been one of the top scorers in the English Football League EFL history among Nigerian players. Akinde’s release follows his commendable career milestone of achieving 105 goals across various divisions of the EFL.
John Akinde’s journey in football has seen him play for eleven different clubs, including prominent stints at Wycombe Wanderers, Dagenham , Redbridge, Crawley Town, and notably at Barnet where he scored 87 league goals in 166 matches and played a crucial role in the team’s promotion from the National League.
Standing 6ft 2in tall, Akinde has been a significant presence on the field, wearing the colours of multiple clubs such as Lincoln City, Brentford, Bristol Rovers, Portsmouth, Gillingham, and Bristol City, before his time at Colchester United, which began in January 2022.
Besides Akinde, Colchester United’s decision affected other Nigerian players, with Al Amin Kazeem being offered a new contract, while Samson Tovide and Mandela Egbo have been retained for the upcoming 2024-2025 season. Owen Goodman, a 2023 Flying Eagles invitee, has returned to his parent club, Crystal Palace, after concluding his loan.
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Colchester United finished the season in 22nd position, gathering 45 points from 46 matches.
Editorial
John Akinde’s release from Colchester United marks the end of an era for one of the EFL’s most notable Nigerian strikers. His journey through the English leagues tells a story of resilience, adaptability, and significant impact, attributes that have defined his lengthy career in competitive football.
Akinde’s trajectory in the EFL serves as an inspiration to many young Nigerian footballers aspiring to make their mark in international leagues. His ability to consistently find the back of the net across multiple divisions and teams underscores the potential for longevity and success in a sport that is as physically demanding as it is rewarding.
As the curtains close on this chapter of his career, the football community and especially Nigerian fans will remember Akinde not only for his goal scoring prowess but also for his leadership and influence both on and off the pitch. His journey emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving and maintaining success in professional sports.
Looking forward, it will be interesting to see the next steps for Akinde, whether in a playing, coaching, or mentoring capacity. His wealth of experience and knowledge of the game positions him uniquely to contribute to football in a new role, continuing to inspire the next generation of players.
Did You Know?
- John Akinde scored a total of 105 goals in the EFL, including stints at eleven different clubs.
- Akinde’s most successful period came with Barnet, where he was instrumental in their promotion from the National League.
- Colchester United, his last club, is part of League Two, the fourth tier of English football.
- The process of releasing and retaining players is a common annual practice among football clubs, reflecting their strategic planning for the upcoming season.
- Players often move between clubs on loan in the EFL, gaining experience and exposure, as evidenced by other Nigerian players at Colchester United.
