Sam Adekugbe
Samuel Ayomide Adekugbe (born January 16, 1995) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a left-back for Süper Lig club Hatayspor and the Canada national team. 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. Loan to Brighton & Hove Albion. 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. Loan to IFK Göteborg. 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 In 3.5 seasons with the Oslo club, Adekugbe would play 94 games. Hatayspor. On June 18, 2021, it was announced Adekugbe had signed a three-year deal with Turkish Süper Lig side Hatayspor , effective August 1, 2021. He made his debut on August 14 against Kasımpaşa. 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 team for two friendlies against Mauritania in September 2013, though he did not feature in either match. He made his debut two years later in a against Belize on September 8, 2015. In June 2017 Adekugbe was named to Canada's squad for that year's CONCACAF Gold Cup. He scored his first goal for Canada in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the United States  on January 30, 2022. 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. He became a Canadian citizen in 2016.