Official: 34yo Nigerian striker with 105 career goals in EFL released by Colchester United

Following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season, League Two club Colchester United have published their retained and released list. 

John Akinde, one of the top scoring Nigerian players in the history of the English Football League, is among the players released by Colchester United. 

The 34-year-old is credited with 105 goals in the Football League comprising one in the Championship, seventeen in League One and eighty-seven in League Two for eleven different clubs. 

Akinde wore the colours of Wycombe Wanderers, Dagenham & Redbridge, Crawley Town, Barnet, Lincoln City, Brentford, Bristol Rovers, Portsmouth, Gillingham and Bristol City prior to his move to Colchester United in January 2022.

The 6ft 2in striker is well known for his stints at Barnet, scoring eighty-seven league goals in 166 matches and playing a pivotal role in the team's promotion from the National League.

He has also played for Gravesend & Northfleet, Ebbsfleet United, Whitstable Town, Margate and Alfreton Town.

Colchester United have also made decisions on four other Nigerian players namely Al-Amin Kazeem, Owen Goodman, Samson Tovide and Mandela Egbo.

2023 Flying Eagles invitee Goodman has returned to parent club Crystal Palace following the conclusion of his loan spell. 

While Kazeem has been offered a new contract, Tovide and Egbo are among the U's players contracted for the 2024-2025 season.

Colchester United finished the season in 22nd position with 45 points accumulated from 46 matches.

Igho Kingsley 

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