With a statement on the official website, Dutch Eredivisie club Excelsior Rotterdam have announced the signing of former Flying Eagles invitee Hamdi Akujobi.

Although the Dutch transfer window closed two weeks ago, the deal was completed because the right-back was a free agent before the winter market closed.

Excelsior Rotterdam have acquired Akujobi despite the fact that he is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and the defender will complete his rehabilitation with the Kralingers.

Born in Rotterdam, he is eligible to represent Nigeria and Netherlands, but has committed his international future to the three-time African champions.

Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported in May that Akujobi was among the dual-national players being considered by manager Eric Chelle for the Super Eagles' Unity Cup squad, but a long-term injury prevented him from making the final roster for the tournament in London.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury during Almere City's 2-1 loss to his former employers Heerenveen on April 19.

Excelsior Rotterdam technical director Niels van Duinen confirmed that Akujjobi was on the verge of making his debut for the Super Eagles prior to his injury. 

"Hamdi is a youngster returning from a knee injury. We're partnering to help him in the final stages of his rehabilitation towards full fitness. The contract runs until the end of the season with an option to extend for another year.

"We knew him well from before his injury, when he was selected for the Nigerian national team and was about to make a promising transfer abroad. Now he wants to prove himself again, and we're taking on that challenge together."

Akujobi has some Eredivisie experience, making 65 appearances combined across stints with Heerenveen and Almere City.

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that he was offered to several EFL Championship clubs before his spell on the sidelines.  

Ifeanyi Emmanuel