Nigeria-born defender Hamdi Akujobi has completed a move to Dutch side Excelsior Rotterdam on a free transfer, offering the Eredivisie club a timely boost as they look to strengthen their defensive options.

Hamdi Akujobi has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the season, with an option to extend his stay for a further year. The 26-year-old right-back arrives with valuable top-flight experience and is widely regarded as a steady and reliable presence at the back.

Although currently sidelined, Akujobi is in the closing stages of his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury sustained during his spell at SC Heerenveen.

Those close to the player say his rehabilitation has progressed well, and he is edging closer to a return to full fitness.

Excelsior’s decision to bring him in reflects their confidence in both his ability and experience in the Eredivisie.

Akujobi began his professional journey with Feyenoord and has also featured for Almere City, steadily building a reputation as a disciplined and tactically aware defender.

Once fully fit, he is expected to compete for a starting berth and provide depth in the right-back position as Excelsior push through the business end of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder Frank Onyeka has expressed his gratitude to Coventry City supporters following a strong debut performance in the club’s 3-1 win over Middlesbrough at the CBS Arena on Tuesday night.

The Nigerian international was handed his first outing for the Sky Blues and made an immediate impression, putting in a commanding shift in midfield before being substituted after 75 minutes. His display did not go unnoticed, earning praise from manager Frank Lampard, who commended the 28-year-old’s impact and composure.

Onyeka later took to social media to acknowledge the reception he received from the home crowd.

“Grateful for the warm welcome,” the former FC Midtjylland star wrote on 𝕏.

The midfielder joined Coventry City on loan from Brentford earlier this month.