Arsenal-owned Nigerian-born midfielder finds himself back in favour at Chesterfield

Arsenal-owned Nigerian-born central midfielder Tim Akinola was named in the matchday squad for the first time since March 11, 2023 as Chesterfield thrashed Torquay United 5-1 at the Technique Stadium in Derbyshire on Tuesday night. 

Prior to the visit of Torquay United, the 2022 Olympic Eagles invitee was left out of seven consecutive matchday squads, but it had nothing to do with his fitness. 

Chesterfield boss Danny Webb had declared Akinola surplus to requirements with other midfielders ahead of the Nigerian in his pecking order. 

Thirty eight days after Akinola's last appearance for the Spireites, Web welcomed him back into the fold, bringing him on in the 67th minute as a replacement for Darren Oldaker. 

The game was already won before Akinola subbed in as the home team had a healthy five-goal lead courtesy of a hat-trick from Andrew Dallas with additional tallies by Ollie Banks and Liam Mandeville. 

Brett McGavin netted a consolation goal for Torquay United with thirteen minutes left on the clock. 

Akinola embarked on his second loan spell away from Arsenal on deadline day in the summer transfer window, joining Chesterfield for the remainder of the campaign. 

His level is certainly above National League standard but he decided to move to the fifth tier side in order to regain his match fitness after suffering a serious ankle injury while on loan at Scottish Premiership side Dundee United in the second half of the 2021-2022 season. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com