Latvian club Ventspils try to force Nigerian striker Adeleke Akinyemi to renew contract at gunpoint

NIGERIAN striker Adeleke Akinyemi has had to flee for dear life after his Latvian clubside Ventspils tried to force him to sign a contract extension with them ensuring they get the proceeds of any future dealings at gunpoint.

Akinyemi, 19, who joined the side at the start of last season, scored 13 league goals in 16 games for Ventspils and also found the back of the net seven times in just four games in the Europa League. Ventspils succeeded in paying off his Nigerian Academy, who were initially due a percentage from his sale, so now the Latvian side wants to extend his contract and also alter his buyout clause.

As a result of the pressure, Akinyemi has gone into hiding, believing that his life is at risk. Ventspils had initially accused him of absconding but the player's representative said the club are aware of his whereabouts.

"Adeleke joined Ventspils a year ago on a deal which carries a buyout clause of €300,00 ‎even though he was on a meagre salary. Now with his performance in the Europa League, clubs have met the clause but Ventspils refused to sell.

"The present president of the team wasn’t in charge when Adeleke was signed. He took over and he is using his might to sell him at a higher price to teams in Russia as he is Russian but in their bid to increase his buyout clause they want him to sign a new deal," the representative added.

Tipped to be called up to the senior national team of Nigeria for the forthcoming Nations Cup  qualifier against Seychelles after impressing coach Gernot Rohr with his goal and performance against Bordeaux, the forward has secured the services of a Spanish lawyer to break him free from the grip of Ventspils. It is believed that he has been whisked out of Latvia for his own safety.

"Imagine they put a gun to his head and asked him to sign else he will be killed. He, however, assured them he will sign the next day before we decided it’s best for him to leave the country.

"Ventspils are aware of his whereabouts and he even spoke with the club president thrice yesterday. He, however, wants assurances about his safety before returning back to Latvia,” his representative added.