Former Nigeria Super Eagles forward Akinkunmi Amoo told Kick Off Nigeria, that he is determined to revive his career at China League One club Shanghai Jiading Huilong F.C.
The talented Nigerian winger had been without a club since his release from Cypriot side AC Omonia Nicosia in 2023. However, he has now returned to professional football by signing with the Chinese outfit, hoping to rebuild his career in a competitive environment.
A Fresh Start in China
In an exclusive conversation with Kick Off Nigeria, Amoo reflected on the challenges he has faced and his ambitions for the future as he prepares for the new China League One season, set to begin later this month.
“Things are going as I planned here with Shanghai Jiading Huilong F.C. The League Cup fixtures we’ve been playing have given me a good sense of the level of competition in China,” Amoo shared. “The Chinese league is not as easy as people think. The intensity is high, and the players are very fast. To match their level, you need to be in top shape and highly mobile.”
“There was a lot of talk when I joined Shanghai Jiading Huilong F.C. My goal is to revive my career before considering a return to European football. I’m taking it one step at a time.”, he added.
A Rising Star’s Journey Through Europe
Amoo first gained attention with Nigeria’s U-17 team in 2019, where his standout performances marked him as one of the country’s most promising young talents. His professional career began in 2020 with Swedish club Hammarby Fotboll, where he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the Allsvenskan.
His impressive performances in Sweden earned him a record-breaking move to Danish Superliga giants FC Copenhagen on January 31, 2022. The transfer fee was reportedly around €4.4 million, including bonuses and a sell-on clause, making him one of Copenhagen’s most expensive signings, alongside Pep Biel and Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson. During his time in Denmark, Amoo won his first major silverware when FC Copenhagen clinched the Danish Superliga title in 2023.
Legal Issues and Career Setback
Despite his promising rise, Amoo’s career took a major hit when he was arrested in Copenhagen on charges related to sexual assault. He was detained for a month before being granted bail in October 2022, a turning point that led to a decline in his career prospects.
Following his release, Amoo attempted to rebuild his career by signing a three-year deal with Omonia Nicosia on September 13, 2023. However, his stint in Cyprus was short-lived, as he terminated his contract on March 2, 2024, citing personal reasons.
Looking Ahead to a New Season in China
Now focused on his comeback, Amoo has already made a strong impression in China, scoring five goals in the China League Cup ahead of the new season. At just 22 years old, the Nigerian forward is determined to put his past struggles behind him and prove his worth on the pitch once again. With the new China League One season about to kick off, Amoo sees this opportunity as a crucial step toward rebuilding his career and potentially earning another shot at European football.
