Nigeria midfielder Olakunle Akala has joined Shooting Stars from Kano Pillars, completing a move that keeps the 23-year-old in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
Akala, a defensive midfielder, signed for Shooting Stars on 31 July 2026 and has agreed a contract running until 30 June 2027. The move marks his fourth club in Nigeria’s top flight after previous spells with Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Nasarawa United.
The right-footed midfielder spent the 2025-26 season with Kano Pillars before switching to Shooting Stars. He had joined Kano Pillars from Akwa United in August 2025, having moved to that club from Nasarawa United in September 2024.
Akala has made 38 NPFL appearances during his career, scoring one goal. His role in central midfield has formed the core of his senior record as he moves to another established NPFL club.
He began his recorded senior career with Wikki Tourists before joining Nasarawa United during the 2023-24 campaign. His successive moves have kept him within Nigeria’s domestic game, with Shooting Stars now becoming his latest club.
Born on 8 February 2003, Akala is a Nigeria international at club level with Shooting Stars Sports Club, and his arrival adds another midfield option to the Ibadan-based side for the 2026-27 season.
The transfer also brings an end to his stay at Kano Pillars after one season. Akala’s market value is recorded at €50,000, although no transfer fee has been disclosed for the move.
Shooting Stars and Kano Pillars compete in the NPFL, meaning Akala will remain in the same division rather than move abroad or change leagues. His contract with Shooting Stars is scheduled to run for one season, through June 2027.
Akala has now completed his move from Kano Pillars to Shooting Stars and is contracted to the club until 30 June 2027.
