Former England U-20 World Cup winner Sheyi Ojo has completed a move to Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Aktobe, opening a new chapter in his professional career while keeping alive the possibility of representing Nigeria at senior international level.
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Aktobe confirmed the signing of the 29-year-old winger on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Slovenian club NK Maribor. The five-time Kazakhstan champions secured the services of the experienced attacker as they continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Born in Hemel Hempstead, England, to Nigerian parents, Ojo represented England at every youth level from Under-16 to Under-21. He was a member of the England squad that won the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, alongside future Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, Ovie Ejaria and Josh Onomah.
Despite his extensive youth international career with England, Ojo has previously expressed his willingness to play for the Super Eagles if approached by the education-sports-competition-with-9-gold-12-silver-10-bronze/">Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Having never featured for England’s senior national team, he remains eligible to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria under FIFA regulations.
Ojo began his professional career at Liverpool after joining the club’s academy as one of England’s brightest young prospects. Although he made first-team appearances for the Reds, much of his career was spent on loan, featuring for clubs including Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham, Rangers, Reims, Millwall, Cardiff City, Kortrijk and Maribor.
His move to FC Aktobe offers another opportunity to revive his career while bringing valuable experience to the Kazakhstan side. The club has recently attracted international attention after strengthening its squad with several experienced players as it seeks greater success in domestic and continental competitions.
For Nigerian football fans, Ojo’s transfer also revives discussions about his international future. Should the NFF decide to pursue the winger, the former England youth international remains eligible to wear the green and white of the Super Eagles.
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