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Akinade leaves Waterford FC

Izzy Akinade has left Waterford FC by 'mutual agreement' and returned to Nigeria. The 25-year-old...



Akinade leaves Waterford FC
Soccer

Akinade leaves Waterford FC

Izzy Akinade has left Waterford FC by 'mutual agreement' and returned to Nigeria.

The 25-year-old striker scored eight times in 49 appearances during his two years at the RSC.

Akinade, who moved to Ireland from Nigeria as a child, had been seeking asylum and was unable to sign a professional contract during his time in the SSE Airtricity League.

He formed a strong partnership with Courtney Duffus last season as the Blues secured a top-four finish in the Premier Division.

Akinade had recovered from a career-threatening surgery in 2017 when he had his spleen removed due to low blood platelets.

Waterford manager Alan Reynolds says the former Bray and Bohemians forward will be missed.

"The club would like to wish Izzy all the best. We signed him after gaining promotion two seasons ago and he scored some important goals for the club.

"We thank him for the hard work and efforts over the past 18 months. He’ll be missed on and off the pitch and was a really popular member of the squad.”

It leaves Reynolds short of options up front with the loan spells of Aaron Drinan and Scott Twine recently coming to an end.

Republic of Ireland under-21 winger Zak Elbouzedi is also sidelined for around a month with a foot injury.

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