7 months after leaving Nigeria, Babatunde makes LaLiga debut for Real Valladolid

Nigerian youngster Babatunde Akinsola has ticked off a dream after he made his debut in the Spanish top division LaLiga from Lagos-based Valiant FC.

Akinsola featured for Real Valladolid during their home game against Europa League giants Sevilla on Sunday.

He was a late substitute in what turned out to be a crushing 3-0 defeat for him and his struggling club.

The 20-year-old was a part of the matchday squad and eventually made it to the pitch seven months after he left Valiant.

Valiant are a non-league side but compete in the TCC, a grassroots league in Nigeria’s financial capital.

The club will be proud to see their former player, Akinsola, come off the bench to make his highly-anticipated debut since he left in September 2022.

His memorial moment arrived in the 80th minute when he replaced teammate Cyle Larin en route to playing the final ten minutes of the game.

When he came on, Valladolid were already two goals down courtesy of second half goals from Rafa Mir and Alejandro Gomez, who scored two minutes before the youngster came on.

Sevilla added a late third through Jesus Corona who wrapped things up in added time to extend their unbeaten run to three matches.

It has been a difficult campaign for the LaLiga side following their return to the top division last season. The result against Sevilla was the fourth consecutive defeat which as seen the club drop into relegation waters.

After 34 matches, the club is facing a possible swift return back to the LaLiga Smartbank after just 10 wins and five draws.

Valladolid are just a point above the danger zone with four matches to go. They will be hoping Akinsola can inspire them to safety after making his debut.

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