Nigeria-born defender Hamdi Akujobi has completed a free transfer to Excelsior Rotterdam, signing a contract that runs until the end of the current season with an option for an additional year. The 26-year-old right-back is in the final stages of rehabilitation from a cruciate ligament injury sustained during his previous spell with SC Heerenveen, as reported.
The move sees Akujobi join the Rotterdam-based club while recovering from the long-term knee injury that has kept him out of competitive action. His progression through rehabilitation is advanced, positioning him for a potential return to fitness before the season concludes. This acquisition adds a player with proven Eredivisie experience to Excelsior’s squad, offering defensive depth and familiarity with the demands of Dutch professional football.
Akujobi is a product of the Feyenoord academy, where he began his formative development before progressing to senior football. He has accumulated Eredivisie appearances across stints with Almere City and SC Heerenveen. His time at Heerenveen was notably interrupted by the cruciate ligament injury, which has shaped his recent career trajectory. The defender’s familiarity with the league’s tactical and physical standards is viewed as a significant asset for Excelsior as they navigate the current campaign.
For Excelsior Rotterdam, the signing represents a low-risk addition of an experienced full-back. Akujobi’s profile combines youth with top-flight exposure, providing cover and competition in the backline. The club’s decision to secure his services ahead of the season’s conclusion underscores a strategic approach to bolstering defensive resources without immediate financial outlay.
The immediate focus for Akujobi is the completion of his rehabilitation program. Upon achieving full fitness, he is expected to integrate into the team’s training setup and compete for a starting role. His eventual availability will offer the coaching staff an additional option at right-back, with the possibility of extending his stay beyond the initial short-term deal should he regain his prior form.
This transfer highlights the cyclical nature of player movement within the Eredivisie ecosystem, where experienced professionals on the comeback trail often find opportunities with clubs seeking short-term reinforcement. Akujobi’s journey from Feyenoord’s youth ranks through various Eredivisie sides, punctuated by injury, now continues in Rotterdam with the aim of re-establishing his presence in Dutch football’s top tiers.
