Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffery Buter has expressed confidence that winger Seun Akanji will thrive at Norwegian top-flight club Lillestrøm SK after the 18-year-old completed a permanent move on a four-year contract.
Akanji received an emotional farewell from teammates and staff during his final training session with Sporting Lagos on Saturday. Buter praised the teenager's remarkable rise from the club's academy to becoming a key figure in the team that secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
"It is actually interesting to see his progress. It is good to see an academy player come through the ranks, play for the first team, and help the team get promotion.
"It has been an honour to have you pass through this club. Personally, you are one of the most talented players I have coached. You have a very high ceiling if you keep your head low and work hard," Buter told the squad before his teammates formed a guard of honour for the departing winger.
A visibly emotional Akanji thanked his teammates and coaching staff as he brought his Sporting Lagos journey to an end.
"Thank you. I am going to miss you so much, you guys. I love you guys so much, and I want to say a big thank you to you all for what you have done for me so far. I love you guys," he said.
Akanji heads to Norway as one of Nigeria's brightest young prospects after playing a pivotal role in Sporting Lagos' promotion to the NPFL and helping the club win the Nigeria National League Super 4 title.
Renowned for his blistering pace, close control and creativity in the final third, the teenage winger had attracted interest from several clubs outside Nigeria before Lillestrøm secured his signature.
Although the transfer agreement was reached several months ago, the move has now been officially completed, allowing Akanji to begin the next phase of his career in European football. At Lillestrøm, he will reunite with fellow Nigerian youngster Kparobo Arierhi, further strengthening the club's growing Nigerian contingent.
