Nigeria's Flying Eagles striker Kparobo Arierhi has made a bold decision in his career, opting to join Norwegian club Lillestrøm Sportsklubb despite attracting interest from top European sides.
The highly rated forward turned down offers from French clubs Lille, Olympique Marseille, and Lyon, as well as English Premier League side Aston Villa, in favour of a move that prioritises his development and first-team opportunities.
Explaining his decision to sign for the Norwegian club, Arierhi stated he prioritised first-team football. “I wanted to have the opportunity to play in the first team, that's why I chose to sign with Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, despite interest from Aston Villa and Olympique Lyonnais.”
The young Nigerian talent first caught the eye with Beyond Limits Academy in the Nigerian second division before announcing himself on the international stage at the WAFU B U-20 tournament, where he scored four goals and helped Nigeria lift the title.
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His performances earned him a four-year contract with Lillestrøm, having initially signed a pre-contract agreement in 2024 before finalizing the move upon turning 18 in 2025.
Arierhi follows in the footsteps of other Nigerian stars who have used the Norwegian league as a stepping stone, such as Akor Adams (now with Sevilla) and Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague).
The striker is determined to make the most of this opportunity with Lillestrøm.
“Signing my first professional contract with Lillestrøm Sportsklubb is an incredible feeling, I'm realizing my dream.”
Looking ahead, Arierhi has set clear ambitions for himself as he begins a new chapter in his career. “My goal is to establish myself in the first team, score a lot of goals and help the team win games.”
