Fans amused as Sporting Lagos beef up squad with 'Davido', 8 others

Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Sporting Lagos have strengthened their squad ahead of the business end of the season with one of the new players David Adeleke sparking reactions. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the recent unveiling of the new players by the Tech Boys has drawn amused comments across social media platforms because of Davido’s namesake, Adeleke. 

The NPFL newbies unveiled four new players as they look to fight their way out of relegation waters in the second half of the season. 

Fans were quick to point out that one of the new arrivals, David Adeleke shares the same full name with popular Nigerian musician Davido.

“The Lagos-born ball-playing centre-back joins us with a host of NPFL experience for clubs such as Abia Warriors, Enyimba, and most recently Rivers United, where he joins us from,” Sporting Lagos stated in a statement on their website.

The apparent coincidence of signing a player with the exact name of one of Nigeria's biggest entertainers has sparked jokes and banter. 

Many wondered if Sporting Lagos is trying to hint at actually signing Davido to strengthen their brand and club.

"Una sign Davido??" One of fans quizzed in the comment section of the post announcing the arrival of the players.

"When Davido turn to football player?" Another shocked supporter added. "Stolen identity 😂😂😂😂😂 another David Adeleke," says a third fan.

While not the real celebrity, the signing shows Sporting Lagos' effort to attract talents that can help preserve their NPFL status. But the name is providing football and music fans some lighter moments as they await the player's debut.

Adeleke joins Paschal Durugbor, Ezekiel Uzoechi and Samuel Ayanrinde as the latest arrivals in addition to five players led by Kalu, who returns to the club, unveiled last week ahead of Sporting Lagos’ rescheduled clash against former champions Rivers United on Wednesday.

The new players including Davido’s namesake could make their debuts against former NPFL champions, United.