James Adeniyi

Segun James Adeniyi (born 20 December 1992) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Tuzlaspor in the TFF First League.

James Adeniyi
James with Laçi in October 2014
Personal information
Full name Segun James Adeniyi
Date of birth (1992-12-20) 20 December 1992
Place of birth Lagos, Nigeria
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
 Tuzlaspor
Number 9
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2013 Bylis Ballsh 22 (1)
2012–2013 → Tomori Berat (loan) 12 (2)
2014–2016 Laçi 55 (24)
2016–2018 Skënderbeu Korçë 81 (24)
2018–2021 Gabala 58 (14)
2019–2020 → Ironi Kiryat Shmona 19 (3)
2021–2022 Maccabi Petah Tikva 32 (3)
2022– Tuzlaspor 42 (9)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:21, 4 October 2023 (UTC)

Club career

Early career

Adeniyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria into a Muslim family, and was raised in the Mushin neighbourhood of Lagos along with his two brothers and four sisters. In 2009, he was called up to a training camp hosted by the Nigeria under-17 national team, but he was later dropped and didn't make the final squad that went on to tour Qatar.[1]

Bylis Ballsh

In January 2012, James joined Albanian Superliga side Bylis Ballsh, where other Nigerian players were already part of the squad, and he initially joined the club's youth team before being promoted to the first team ahead of the 2012–13 campaign. He made his professional debut on 23 September 2012 in an Albanian Superliga tie against FK Kukësi, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute for Shkëlzen Kelmendi in the 1–0 loss.[2] Just a few days later on 26 September, James made his first professional start in an Albanian Cup tie against Tërbuni Pukë, where he also scored his first professional goal in the 2–0 win.[3]

Loan to Tomori Berat

In January 2013, James was sent on loan to fellow top flight side Tomori Berat for the second part of 2012–13 season.[4] After being initially used as a right-back, James impressed with his attack play and incursions forward and was given a more attacking role.[4] He played his first game for his new side on 10 February, starting and playing full-90 minutes in a 1–0 away loss to Tirana.[5] His first score-sheet contributions for the team came later in his fourth appearance, netting the opener inside four minutes in an eventual 1–2 home loss to Kastrioti Krujë.[6] James played 12 matches during his short-spell term at the club, all of them as starter, collecting 1062 minutes as the team was relegated to Albanian First Division after two seasons. Following the end of the season, the team was scattered and James remained without money, after not being paid most of the time by the club, living along with the other foreigner players in the mini hotel near the stadium.[4]

2014–15 season

On his European debut in the first qualifying round of the Europa League on 3 July 2014, James scored his first European goal against Slovenian side Rudar Velenje away from home. His goal came in the 89th minute of the game which equalised the score at 1–1.[7] He also scored during the return leg, opening the score only to have a last gasp equaliser take the game to extra time and then penalties, where Laçi won 3–2 in the shootout and where Adeniyi scored the winning penalty.[8]

After Laçi were eliminated from Europa League, James played his first league match on 24 August 2014, assisting Elton Doku in a 1–1 home draw against Partizani Tirana.[9] On 20 September, in the matchday 5 against Tirana, James set-up his second assist of the season in a 2–0 home over the capital club.[10] He scored his first goal of the season on 27 September in a 1–1 away draw against Flamurtari Vlorë, scoring the goal in 31st minute with a great chip from outside the zone.[11]

In first leg of first round of 2014–15 Albanian Cup against Naftëtari Kuçovë, he scored the opener in 6th minute, helping the team to get a comfortable 2–0 away win.[12]

2015–16 season

On 12 August 2015, in the 2015 Albanian Supercup match held at Qemal Stafa Stadium, James scored twice for the team in an eventual 2–2 draw; he also scored his penalty shootout attempt helping Laçi to win the match 8–7 by penalty shootouts. That was the club's first Albanian Supercup in history.[13]

Skënderbeu Korçë

On 1 February 2016, in the last day of the winter transfer window, James left Laçi to join Skënderbeu Korçë, where he signed a three-year contract.[14] He debuted with the club six days later in the match against Kukësi, where James first assisted the first goal of Salihi and later scored for himself in an eventual 3–1 home win, placing Skënderbeu two points clear at the top.[15]

On 4 May, in the matchday 33 of the league against Laçi, James was the main protagonist by providing three assists and netting twice for himself as Skënderbeu Korçë scored six goals in the first half in an eventual 6–1.[16] In the final matchday of Albanian Superliga against Flamurtari Vlorë, James provided the assist of the team's second goal in an eventual 2–0 away success, helping the club to win its sixth consecutive league title and seventh overall.[17] He finished the season by scoring 23 goals in all competitions with Laçi and Skënderbeu, including 15 in league, setting a new personal best.

2016–17 season

James started the new season on 24 August by playing the last 10 minutes of the 2016 Albanian Supercup, where Skënderbeu was defeated 3–1 by Kukësi at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium.[18] He started the league season by making another appearance as a substitute as the team won 2–1 against Flamurtari Vlorë at home.[19] On 24 September, in the matchday 4, in his first match as a starter, James scored the lone goal against Luftëtari Gjirokastër as Skënderbeu grabbed the fourth consecutive win.[20]

He made his 100th Albanian Superliga appearance on 25 April 2016 in the matchday 31 against Tirana.[21] In 2016–17 season, James made 32 league appearances and scored 8 goals as Skënderbeu failed to win the title for the first time in six years.[22] He also contributed with 6 matches and 3 goals in Albanian Cup as Skënderbeu lost the final to Tirana.[23]

2017–18 season

On 23 November 2017, in the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League Group B match against Dynamo Kyiv, James scored the second goal of his team in an eventual 3–1 home win, their second ever group stage victory.[24] Although Skënderbeu was eliminated with one match in hand, he was named Man of the Match by UEFA.[25]

On 27 May 2018, in the 2018 Albanian Cup Final, James won a penalty that was scored by Sabien Lilaj for the only goal of the match versus Laçi, meaning Skënderbeu has won the Albanian Cup for the first time.[26] He also contributed with 10 goals and 32 appearances in championship which ended in conquest, meaning that the club has completed the domestic double for the first time in history.[27]

Gabala

On 26 June 2018, James moved to Gabala FK of Azerbaijan Premier League by penning a three-year contract, rejoining his former teammate Sabien Lilaj.[28] Skënderbeu reportedly earned €200,000 from the transfer and also retained 25% part ownership.[29] He was presented on the same day, stating: “I’m happy to join up with Gabala. I’m a footballer with great targets and want to hit them in this club. I came to Gabala to reach to new successes. I know Gabala made some progresses in the UEFA Europa League last seasons. But this time I want to be a part of the more successes and go more ahead in the continental championship.”[30]

Ironi Kiryat Shmona

On 9 July 2019 signed to Ironi Kiryat Shmona.[31]

Personal life

James is a practicing Muslim.[12] He is eligible to play for Nigeria, Togo and Albania, and has expressed his desire to play for Albania should the opportunity present itself.[32]

Career statistics

Club
As of match played 26 August 2023[33][34][35]
Club statistics
Club Season League Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Bylis Ballsh 2012–13 Albanian Superliga 6021———81
Tomori Berat (loan) 2012–13 Albanian Superliga 122————122
Bylis Ballsh 2013–14 Albanian Superliga 16111———172
Laçi 2013–14 Albanian Superliga 11410———124
2014–15 271165—4[lower-alpha 1]2—3718
2015–16 17935—2[lower-alpha 1]01[lower-alpha 2]22316
Total 55241010—62127138
Skënderbeu Korçë 2015–16 Albanian Superliga 17621———197
2016–17 32863——1[lower-alpha 2]03911
2017–18 321053—12[lower-alpha 1]2—4915
Total 8124137—1221010733
Gabala 2018–19 Azerbaijan Premier League 251042—20–3112
2019–20 0000—00–00
2020–21 23432—––266
Total 481474—20—5718
Ironi Kiryat Shmona (loan) 2019–20 Israeli Premier League 1931152——256
Maccabi Petah Tikva 2021–22 3234452——419
Tuzlaspor 2022–23 Turkish First League 35920———379
2023–24 3000———30
Career total 30783402810420422379118
  1. All appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  2. Appearance in Albanian Supercup

Honours

Laçi[33]

Skënderbeu Korçë[33]

Gabala

References
  1. "SL10 Chats To KF Laci's Adeniyi James". Sl10.ng. 5 December 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  2. "Kukësi vs. Bylis Ballsh 1 – 0". Soccerway. 23 September 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  3. "Tërbuni Pukë vs. Bylis Ballsh 0 – 2". Soccerway. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  4. ""Në Berat e lanë pa bukë, sot Xhejmsin e do gjithë Superiorja"" [“In Berat they left him without food, now James is wanted by all Superliga”] (in Albanian). Sport Ekspres. 31 May 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  5. "Tirana vs. Tomori Berat 1 – 0". Soccerway. 10 February 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  6. "Tomori Berat vs. Kastrioti Krujē 1 – 2". Soccerway. 3 March 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  7. "Rudar Velenje 1–1 KF Laçi". UEFA.com. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  8. "KF Laçi 1–1 Rudar Velenje". UEFA.com. 10 July 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  9. Vladimir Prenga (25 August 2014). ""Luftë" për një pikë, Partizani barazon në Laç. Trajneri Duro: Raçiç, "bast" im i fituar" ["War" for a point, Partizani equates in Laç. Coach Duro: Raĉić, my winning "bet"] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  10. Vladimir Prenga (20 September 2014). "Zhgënjen Tirana, Laçi i Cungut i jep leksion. Acarohet Magani: S'dua gjeneralë në fushë" [Tirana disappoints, Cungu's Laçi gives lecture. Magani angry: I don't want generals on the field] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  11. Ermal Sika (28 September 2014). "Laçi ndal Flamurtarin, incidente në tunel. Gjoka: Na mungon qetësia para portës" [Laçi stops Flamurtari, incidents at the tunel. Gjoka: We don't have calmless in front of goal] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  12. "Laçi shënon që në tunel, Naftëtari është i dorëzuar" [Laçi scores in the tunel, Naftëtari is handed over] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 3 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  13. "Laçi fiton Superkupën e Shqipërisë, kurbinasit mundin Skënderbeun me penallti" [Laçi wins Albanian Supercup, kurbinasit defeats Skënderbeu on penalties] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
  14. "Zyrtare, James Adeniyi vishet bardhekuq" [Official, James Adeiyi wears white&red] (in Albanian). Skënderbeu Korçë. 1 February 2016. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  15. Alfred Lleshi (7 February 2016). "Salihi dhe Xhejms likujdojnë Kukësin, kampionët rikthehen në krye" [Salihi and James liquidate Kukësi, the champions return to top] (in Albanian). Telesport.al. Archived from the original on 29 July 2017. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  16. Andi Deçka (4 May 2016). "Skënderbeu luan tenis me Laçin" [Skënderbeu plays tenis with Laçi] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  17. "Skënderbeu shpallet kampion; korçarët mposhtin 2-0 Flamurtarin" [Skënderbeu is champion; korçarët defeats Flamurtari 2-0] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  18. Rinald Bregasi (24 August 2016). "Kukësi fiton Superkupën e Shqipërisë" [Kukësi wins Albanian Supercup] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2016.
  19. Olsi Avdiaj (8 September 2016). "Hamdi Salihi dhe Skënderbeu nisin mbrojtjen e titullit" [Hamdi Salihi and Skënderbeu begin the title defence] (in Albanian). Shekulli.com.al. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2016.
  20. Erald Kodheli (24 September 2016). "Skënderbeu fiton por nuk shkëlqen" [Skënderbeu wins but doesn't shine] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. Archived from the original on 25 September 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
  21. "Skënderbeu ia del në Tiranë, vendos një autogol (VIDEO)" [Skënderbeu makes it in Tirana, an owngoal decides (VIDEO)] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 25 April 2016. Archived from the original on 27 April 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  22. Andi Deçka (27 May 2017). "Partizani i dyti, barazoi 2-2 me Skënderbeun" [Partizani second, drew 2-2 with Skënderbeu] (in Albanian). Super Sport Albania. Archived from the original on 3 July 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  23. "Tirana fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë, sezoni 2016-2017" [Tirana wins Albanian Cup, 2016-2017 season] (in Albanian). FSHF.org. 31 May 2017. Archived from the original on 6 June 2017. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  24. "Skënderbeu fiton 3-2, por i lë jashtë fitorja e serbëve" [Skënderbeu win 3-2, but serbs' victory leaves them out] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  25. "Skënderbeu 3-2 Dynamo Kyiv". UEFA.com. 23 November 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  26. "Skënderbeu triumfon në Kupë, vendos një 11-metërsh i dyshimtë" [Skënderbeu triumphs in cup, a suspicious penalty decides] (in Albanian). Top-Channel.tv. 27 May 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  27. "ZYRTARE/ Skënderbeu shpallet kampion i Kategorisë Superiore për sezonin 2017-2018" [OFFICIAL/ Skënderbeu named champion of Albanian Superliga for 2017-18 season] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2018.
  28. "Adeniyi signs for Gabala". gabalafc.az. Gabala FK. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  29. "Transferimi i Xhejms në Azerbajxhan, ja e vërteta e përfitimit të Skënderbeut" [James' transfer in Azerbaijan, here's the truth of Skënderbeu's earning] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  30. "I'll play in my best to make our fans happy, Adeniyi says". gabalafc.az. Gabala FK. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  31. Elbaz, Shalom (9 July 2019). "החלוץ הניגרי ג'יימס אדני סיכם בק"ש ויחתום". One.co.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 9 July 2019.
  32. Isreali-based [sic] striker Adeniyi ready to dump Nigeria for Albania
  33. "Nigeria - J. Adeniyi - Profile with news, career statistics and history". Soccerway. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  34. "Football : Segun James Adeniyi". Football Database. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  35. "Profile of James Adeniyi". Scoresway. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
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