KAA Gent: 17-year-old Nigerian talent follows Eguavoen, Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon’s path in Belgium

17-year-old Nigerian prospect Akinnarian Oluwashile is the latest youngster looking to build his career through KAA Gent, Afrik Foot reports.

The Belgian side has historically served as a stepping stone for several Nigerian footballers.

The defensive midfielder now has the chance to follow a path previously taken by former Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen, William Troost-Ekong, and winger Moses Simon, who all spent part of their careers with the Belgian outfit.

According to reports from Footy Africa, the Nigerian youth international Akinnarian Oluwashile has arrived in Belgium to train with Gent’s development squad as the club considers adding him to their growing pipeline of African talent.

The defensive midfielder is regarded as one of the promising players from Nigeria’s youth ranks after impressing with the country’s U-20 side during the WAFU B U-20 Championship, where his performances reportedly drew interest from scouts across Europe.

Gent’s decision to give the youngster an opportunity continues a long-standing link between the club and Nigerian football.

In recent years, other Nigerian players have also passed through the club, strengthening Gent’s status as a familiar gateway for talents from the West African nation.

Oluwashile will now hope his trial proves successful as he attempts to take the same route taken by several Nigerian stars before him and begin his professional journey in Belgium.

How many Nigerians have worn the colours of KAA Gent

Over the years, Belgian side KAA Gent have built a strong connection with Nigerian football, with more than 20 players from the West African nation having represented the club.

Among the most notable names are former Super Eagles coach Eguavoen, Ex-Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong, Simon, who enjoyed a productive spell with the Buffalos before moving to other European clubs.

In recent years, Gent have continued to rely on Nigerian talent, with players like Gift Orban, Samuel Kalu, and Anderson Esiti also making their mark at the club.

This long-standing relationship has helped establish Gent as one of the European clubs most open to Nigerian players, providing a pathway for several talents to launch or develop their careers on the continent.