2021/22 Champions League giant killers capture Nigerian duo

The Moldovan champions have recruited two Nigerian stars as they look to replicate their performance of last season

Twenty-time Moldovan champions Sheriff Tiraspol has secured the services of Nigerian duo Iyayi Atiemwen on a free transfer, and Rasheed Akanbi from Kocaelispor.

Qualifying for the Champions League group stages last season was a great achievement for Sheriff Tiraspol.

However, they rose to recognition after their deeds in the group stages. The Moldovans picked four points from Shaktar Donetsk, and also went to the Bernabeu to pick a remarkable victory against 14-time champions Real Madrid.

However, it was not enough, as they finished third and dropped to the Europa League.

Sheriff Tiraspol would be looking to go on another fairytale story next season, and they have employed the services of two Nigerians. They secured the services of midfielder Iyayi Atiemwen whose contract at Dinamo Zagreb expires in June.

They also paid Turkish second-tier side Kocaelispor €68,000 for Nigerian midfielder Rasheed Akanbi.

26-year-old Atiemwen has spent the last three seasons on different loan deals, and he would have the chance to prove himself at his new side. Meanwhile, his 23-year-old counterpart Akanbi recorded seven goals and two assists in 29 league games last season.