Croatian club NK Osijek has completed the signing of Nigerian winger Samuel Akere from Polish side RTS Widzew Łódź.

The 21-year-old continues the list of arrivals to the White and Blues, joining on loan alongside Tonio Teklić, Footballrover reports.

Samuel Akere Brings Speed, Dribbling, and Goal Threats to Osijek

In the first part of the season, Akere featured 15 times for Widzew, scoring once and providing one assist.

The Ibadan-born winger only played the full 90 minutes once in an Ekstraklasa match, leaving him unsatisfied with his status.

Despite this, he remained in full training and maintained strong competition for his place.

Speaking on his arrival, the Nigerian said he was a little tired from the journey because he was coming from another continent.

He added that in Nigeria, where he was coming from, the temperatures were currently high, around 35 degrees, and that he had arrived to snow.

“But we footballers are used to such things, and we always adapt to them. I believe that I will quickly adapt to everything I need, get to know my teammates better and that we will look good together on the field,” Akere said in his introduction.

Nigerian Forward Aims to Reignite Form and Make Immediate Impact

Akere is determined to return to the form he showed in Bulgaria with Botev, where he scored seven goals and provided six assists in the 2024/25 season.

“I’m sure I can be ‘the one’ again. Why wouldn’t I believe in that? That’s why I came to Osijek, to reach the level they had at that time again, and why I made the transfer to Poland. Virtues?

Well, first I would mention dribbling, and of course speed. In general, I would say that I’m resourceful on the field. I like to get into goal situations and score and assist. After all, I play in that position,” Akere added.

Looking ahead to the next half-season, Akere’s focus is clear:

“First of all – to play. I want to be in the team to show that I can help it. It is clear to me that I need to fight for my status; I came with that desire, believing in myself. I see that Osijek has good conditions.

I also talked a lot with coach Sopić, who I worked with in Widzew, and he made it clear to me that the team must get out of this unpleasant situation,” he said.

The Nigerian winger is also excited about his reunion with Tonio Teklić, his former Widzew teammate:

“That’s for sure! I’m looking forward to playing together again because in the short time we’ve known each other, we’ve become very good friends.

I’m sorry we didn’t spend more time together on the field, but I hope that in Osijek it could be different and much better – for both of us. And of course for the club.”

Akere will wear jersey number 57 and sent a message directly to Osijek fans:

“I expect the fans to come to the games and support us as we fight on the field to get the best possible results. I love a good atmosphere at the stadium; that has always been an additional motivation for me in the game.”

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Last Updated on January 6, 2026 9:35 am by footballrover