Tim Akinola Explained

Tim Akinola
Fullname:Timothy Olaoluwa Akinola[1]
Birth Date:8 May 2001
Birth Place:Lokoja, Nigeria
Height:1.77 m[2]
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:Chesterfield
Clubnumber:16
Youthclubs1:Lincoln City
Youthclubs2:Huddersfield Town
Youthyears3:2020–2021
Youthclubs3:Arsenal
Years1:2021–2023
Clubs1:Arsenal
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2022
Clubs2:Dundee United (loan)
Caps2:1
Goals2:0
Years3:2022–2023
Clubs3:Chesterfield (loan)
Caps3:26
Goals3:0
Years4:2023
Clubs4:Al Bidda
Years5:2024–
Clubs5:Chesterfield
Caps5:0
Goals5:0
Club-Update:00:00, 11 August 2023 (UTC)

Timothy Olaoluwa Akinola (born 8 May 2001) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Chesterfield.

Career

Akinola was born in Lokoja, Nigeria.[3] He played youth football with Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town, before signing for Arsenal in summer 2020.[3] [4] [5] After playing for Arsenal under-23s,[6] he moved on loan to Scottish club Dundee United in January 2022.[3] [7] [8] Akinola initially believed he had signed for the club's city rivals Dundee.[9]

After one 45-minute appearance for Dundee United which saw him substituted at half-time, Akinola returned to Arsenal in March 2022 due to injury.[10] [11] He later underwent surgery.[12] In August 2022, he joined Chesterfield in the National League on a season-long loan, making his debut as a substitute against Oldham Athletic.[13]

He permanently switch to Qatari side Al Bidda in September 2023.[14]

On 16 May 2024, it was confirmed he would return to Chesterfield on a one-year deal with an option.[15]

Career statistics

Club

Club! rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Arsenal U212020–214040
2021–223030
2022–231010
Total8080
Dundee United (loan)2021–22Scottish Premiership100010
Chesterfield (loan)2022–23National League260400010310
Al Bidda2023–24Qatari Second Division0000000000
Chesterfield2024–25League Two0000000000
Career total270400090400

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2022/23 Premier League squad lists . Premier League . 16 September 2022 . 17 September 2022.
  2. Web site: England - T. Akinola - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway. uk.soccerway.com.
  3. Web site: Tim Akinola joins Dundee United on loan. Tim Akinola joins Dundee United on loan.
  4. Web site: Tim Akinola profiled as midfield starlet completes Arsenal transfer move. George. Smith. 17 August 2020. Football.London.
  5. Web site: Arsenal coach hails Under-23 star who already has 'champion mentality'. 31 December 2021. HITC.
  6. Web site: Watch: Arsenal youngster Tim Akinola pulls out double Zidane turn for U23s. Planet. Football. 2 October 2021. Planet Football.
  7. Web site: UNITED SEAL LOAN DEAL FOR AKINOLA. Dundee United Football Club.
  8. Web site: Tim Akinola: Dundee United's new loan signing from Arsenal profiled. www.scotsman.com.
  9. Web site: ‘There’s two Dundees’: Akinola ready for United start after mix-up. Nicola. Meighan. 31 January 2022.
  10. Web site: Tim Akinola returns to Arsenal as Dundee United loan falls flat. Alan. Temple.
  11. Web site: Tim Akinola Dundee United deal over. Scott. Burns. 1 April 2022. scottishdailyexpress.
  12. Web site: Arsenal kid Tim Akinola undergoes surgery as reason for Dundee United exit is laid bare. Alan. Temple.
  13. News: Norcliffe . Liam . Chesterfield coach says young Arsenal loanee has similarities to top Chelsea midfielder . 1 February 2023 . Derbyshire Times . 7 September 2022.
  14. Web site: 2023-09-20 . Tim Akinola joins Al Bidda on permanent deal . 2023-09-20 . Tim Akinola joins Al Bidda on permanent deal . en.
  15. Web site: 2024-05-16 . Midfielder Rejoins Spirites. 2024-05-16 . chesterfield.co.uk . en.