Nigerian winger Innocent Kingsley has joined Hapoel Afula on a free transfer from Hapoel Jerusalem, signing a deal until 30 June 2027. The 24-year-old right-sided attacker makes the switch within Israel after Hapoel Afula moved to strengthen their options out wide ahead of the new Liga Leumit campaign.
Kingsley arrives with solid second-tier experience already behind him. He has played 52 times in Liga Leumit, scoring 14 goals and featuring regularly across the last two seasons in Israel’s professional ranks. Naturally right-footed and standing at 1.75m, he is expected to operate predominantly from the right wing for his new club.
The move continues a rapid rise for the Lafia-born forward, whose career has taken in spells in Nigeria, Turkey, Norway and now Israel. Before joining Hapoel Jerusalem in 2025, Kingsley had a stint with Hapoel Rishon LeZion following a spell at Katsina United, whom he joined after a period without a club at the start of 2024.
Earlier in his career he moved from Plateau United in Nigeria to Adanaspor’s youth set-up in Turkey, later stepping up to Adanaspor’s senior side and then switching to Norwegian club Fredrikstad. Across his time in Norway, Turkey and Nigeria, he collected further first-team minutes, including outings and goals in domestic league and cup competitions, before establishing himself in Israel.
With a current estimated market value of €125,000, Kingsley now commits his future to Hapoel Afula for the next season as part of a permanent free transfer from Hapoel Jerusalem.
