Villarreal sign Beninese striker from Beyond Limits

Beninese striker Merveille Akinocho signs for Villareal

Spanish club Villarreal have signed Beninese striker Merveille Akinocho from Nigerian academy Beyond Limits on a long-term deal, the Ikenne-based club announced on Tuesday.

“From Beyond Limits to the Yellow Submarine. Merveille Akinocho has officially signed for Spanish side Villarreal CF on a long-term deal,” the club announced.

“The striker takes a new step onto the European football stage. Congratulations, Merveille!”

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He was said to have been on the radar of the Spanish giants but waited till he turned 18 before making the move.

Akinocho will initially join Villarreal’s U-19 team, where he is expected to continue his development and adapt to European football. The move will also provide him with opportunities to feature in competitions such as the UEFA Youth League as he works towards progressing to the club’s professional setup.

During his time in Nigeria, the Beninese forward featured for Beyond Limits in the Creative Championship League, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists last season.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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