Transfer: Maccabi Jaffa FC snaps Sporting Lagos talent after NPFL relegation

Israel-based club, Maccabi Jaffa FC, has secured the signing of Adeleke Adekunke from the newly relegated Nigeria Premier Football League side, Sporting Lagos, on a one-year deal, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old, who will be at the Ness Ziona Stadium until June 2025, has the option to extend his contract for another year, further solidifying his commitment to the Tel Aviv-based club.

Announcing the acquisition on their social media pages, the club expressed delight in welcoming the Nigerian center back, highlighting his versatility and prowess that made him a valuable asset to his previous team.

“We are pleased to announce the signing of Nigerian defender Adeleke Adekunle (born 2002), who has agreed to terms for the 2024/25 season with an option from the club for both the 2025/26 and 2026/27 playing seasons,” the club stated.

Adekunle is recognized as one of the promising talents in the Nigerian league, having previously played for NPFL giants Enyimba FC and Rivers United FC before joining Sporting Lagos FC during the January transfer window.

Adekunle who was an unused substitute in Sporting Lagos’ loss to Shooting Stars, will not face relegation to the Nigerian National League (NNL) like his teammates. Instead, he will be heading to Israel to continue his football career away from Nigeria.