Sam Adekugbe


Samuel Ayomide Adekugbe is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a left back for Vålerenga in the Norwegian Eliteserien. He has represented Canada at the under-18, under-20, and senior levels.

Club career

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

On August 28, 2013, Adekugbe signed a Generation Adidas homegrown contract with MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps FC, making him the seventh homegrown signing in club history. He made his professional debut on October 27 in the final game of the 2013 season which ended in a 3–0 victory over Colorado Rapids.

Brighton & Hove Albion loan

During Winter 2015, Adekugbe was invited to train at English Football League Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion. On July 15, 2016, Adekugbe transferred to Brighton on a season-long loan deal agreement, initially linking up with the club's development squad. On August 9, 2016, Adekugbe started in the 4–0 victory over Colchester United in the 2016–17 EFL Cup. On August 23, 2016, Adekugbe scored his first professional goal in a 4–2 victory over Oxford United in the second round of the 2016–17 EFL Cup.
On January 14, 2017 Adekugbe started his first Championship game in a 2–0 defeat against Preston North End.

IFK Göteborg loan

Adekugbe joined Allsvenskan club IFK Göteborg on loan on July 25, 2017 for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy for the club. He made his debut against IFK Norrköping in a 4–1 win on July 30.

Vålerenga

On January 8, 2018, Eliteserien club Vålerenga announced they had signed Adekugbe to a four-year deal. He made his debut against Kristiansund on March 12, 2018

International career

Adekugbe was eligible to represent England, Nigeria or Canada internationally. In 2012, he was quoted saying he dreamed of playing for England at Wembley. However, he has represented Canada at youth and senior level.

Youth

Adekugbe was part of Canada's U-18 squad for the 2013 COTIF U-20 tournament from August 11 to 21. After a successful 2014 campaign with Vancouver, Adekugbe was called up to the U20 squad by coach Rob Gale on November 7, 2014. He made his debut for the side against England on November 12 in a 1–1 draw. In January 2015 he would participate with Canada in the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.

Senior

Adekugbe received his first call up to the Canada senior national team for friendlies against Mauritania on September 8 and 10. However, he did not feature in either match. Sam was played as a sub in the second leg of the 2018 World Cup qualifier between Canada and Belize, cap-tying him to the Canadian senior team.

Personal life

Adekugbe was born in London to parents with Nigerian heritage and lived in England until 10, when his family moved to Canada. His younger brother Elijah is also a professional soccer player with Cavalry FC. He is a fan of Manchester City.
Adekugbe received his Canadian permanent residency status on August 23, 2013, which qualifies him as a domestic player on Canadian clubs for MLS roster purposes.

Career statistics

Club

International