Biography

The 24-year-old central midfielder joins on a one-year deal from fellow National League side Gateshead.

An Arsenal academy product, Akinola spent time in Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town academies before joining the Gunners in 2020. Loans to Dundee United and Chesterfield saw Akinola make his mark with the latter, playing 31 times for the Spireites in the 2022-23 season as they were defeated in the playoff final.

A spell at Qatari side Al Bidda followed before Akinola rejoined Chesterfield, now in League Two, on a permanent deal last summer. He joined Dagenham & Redbridge on loan before being recalled and joining Solihull Moors on a one-month loan in February 2025. Akinola departed Chesterfield for Gateshead in late March, where he became a fans’ favourite for his tenacity and energy in midfield.