Convicted and banned in Denmark: Former Nigeria youth international returns to football in China

Former Nigeria youth international Akinkunmi Amoo has made his long-awaited return to football, featuring in Shanghai Jiading Huilong’s 1-0 defeat to Nantong Zhiyun in China’s League One, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 22-year-old playmaker, once hailed as one of Nigeria’s brightest young prospects, had been out of competitive action for 409 days following a turbulent spell in Denmark that ended in a criminal conviction and ban.

Amoo last played a professional match in January 2024 for Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia before parting ways with the club for “personal reasons” two months later.

Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets and Copenhagen star, Akinkunmi Amoo (R). Photo by IMAGOFormer Nigeria Golden Eaglets and Copenhagen star, Akinkunmi Amoo (R). Photo by IMAGO
Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets and Copenhagen star, Akinkunmi Amoo (R). Photo by IMAGO

However, his return to action in China marks the start of a fresh chapter after a career that has taken unexpected and, at times, troubling turns.

Shanghai Jiading Huilong’s head coach Wu Yizhen introduced Amoo at the start of the second half at the Rugao Olympic Sports Center Stadium with the scores still goalless.

However, the Nigerian’s presence could not prevent his side from falling to a narrow defeat as Chen Binbin struck in the 70th minute to secure victory for Nantong Zhiyun.

For Amoo, this represents a much-needed step forward after a difficult two years. Once regarded as a rising star of Nigerian football, his career has been overshadowed by legal troubles in Denmark, where he was convicted of multiple sexual assault charges.

Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets and Copenhagen star, Akinkunmi Amoo. Photo by IMAGO
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

From Nigeria’s rising star to controversy

Amoo first burst onto the scene at the 2019 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a key role for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets.

Later that year, he featured in the U-17 World Cup, further enhancing his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young players.

Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets and Copenhagen star, Akinkunmi Amoo. Photo by IMAGO

His performances attracted interest from top European clubs, but it was Swedish side Hammarby IF that secured his signature in 2020.

He quickly impressed, helping the club win the Svenska Cupen and drawing interest from Ajax, Leicester City, and Valencia.

His rapid rise culminated in a record-breaking €4.4 million transfer to FC Copenhagen in January 2022.

However, his move to Denmark turned into a nightmare.

Later that year, Amoo was arrested on charges of sexual assault, with incidents reportedly occurring between April and August 2022. He was convicted in June 2023 and sentenced to one year in prison.

Former Nigeria Golden Eaglets and Copenhagen star, Akinkunmi Amoo. Photo by IMAGO

Following an unsuccessful appeal in 2024, he was banned from Denmark and prohibited from returning for six years, as per Bold

A second chance in China?

After his release, Amoo struggled to find a new club. His short stint with Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus ended abruptly, leaving him without a team for much of 2024. But with his return to action in China, he now has an opportunity to rebuild his career.

While his legal history casts a long shadow, Amoo will hope to let his football do the talking in Shanghai.

The coming months will determine whether he can regain the form that once made him one of Nigeria’s most promising young players—or if his past will continue to define his future.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad. From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.

Share
Published by
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Recent Posts

Chidera Ejuke eyes strong finish with Sevilla after torrid season

Super Eagles and Sevilla winger, Chidera Ejuke, is eyeing a finish in the European spots… Read More

33 minutes ago

New Super Eagles invitee reveals he snubbed Norway for Nigeria dream

Super Eagles newcomer Igho Ogbu has revealed that he turned down an opportunity to represent… Read More

2 hours ago

Nigeria and Atalanta’s Lookman beats Inter Milan, Lazio, Como, and AS Roma stars to Serie A’s top rating

Nigeria and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has emerged as the highest-rated player in the Italian… Read More

4 hours ago

Morocco 2025 third qualifying round: Nigeria battle Algeria; Cameroon, Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire know opponents

Nigeria’s U17 girls' national team, the Flamingos, will take on Algeria in the third and… Read More

5 hours ago

“He’ll be back” – Super Eagles winger backs Iheanacho to turn poor Middlesbrough form around

Super Eagles and Sevilla winger, Chidera Ejuke, has backed Middlesbrough forward, Kelechi Promise Iheanacho, to… Read More

6 hours ago

Ex-Super Eagles coach watches Wilfred Ndidi as Manchester United beat Leicester City

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh was present at the King Power Stadium to watch… Read More

6 hours ago