Veteran Nigerian Striker Akinde Released by Colchester Post EFL Career

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.



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.