Hull City have signed Nigerian forward David Akintola on a two-year deal, making him the latest African player to represent the Tigers after compatriots Sone Aluko and Chuba Akpom.
The 29-year-old arrives from Çaykur Rizespor in Türkiye, where he made 49 appearances after joining in February 2024, scoring four goals and providing nine assists.
Akintola began his professional career at Danish club Midtjylland in 2015 before loan spells in Norway with Rosenborg, Jerv and Haugesund.
A brief stint in Cyprus with Omonia Nicosia followed, before he moved to Türkiye.
At Hatayspor, he enjoyed a productive 2020/21 campaign, registering seven goals and seven assists in 37 appearances.
Akintola at Hull City. Photo Credit: Hull City web
His form earned him a move to Adana Demirspor in July 2021, where he scored 13 goals in 77 outings across two and a half seasons, helping the club secure European qualification in 2022/23.
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The winger, who plays mainly on the right, has featured in more than 270 senior matches, with 147 appearances in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Most recently with Rizespor, Akintola was a regular last season, producing three goals and seven assists in 36 league games. His goals came in victories against Trabzonspor, Göztepe and former club Hatayspor.
Akintola during his time at Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig. Photo Credit: Getty Images
In the 6-3 win over Göztepe in May 2025, he scored in a game that also featured current City midfielder Abdüş Ömür, then playing for Rizespor.
Speaking after completing his move to England, Akintola said:
“I’m very happy to be here, I cannot describe the feeling. A couple of weeks ago, the club showed interest. It was a very easy decision.
Because I was in Nigeria, I needed a visa to come, so that’s why it took a little while, but I’m very happy to finally be here.
Growing up in Nigeria, everybody watches the Premier League. Hull have played in the Premier League before, so it’s a team I’ve known about for a very long time.
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Having the opportunity to play here now is a big privilege and I’m grateful. The people here are amazing everybody has welcomed me very well. I’m looking forward to working with the head coach and bringing a good story to this great team.
It’s a dream come true. Everybody in Nigeria wants to play in England. It’s what we watch growing up. I’m ready to give everything and help the team to achieve big things.”
Akintola at Hull City. Photo Credit: Hull City web
Hull City, who last featured in the Premier League in 2017, are targeting promotion this season.
The club believes Akintola’s pace, versatility and experience across Europe will be valuable assets in their push for a return to the top flight.
