Tripple 44 Academy duo join IF Karlstad on loan

Nigerian side Tripple 44 Football Academy have announced the departure of their teenage prospects Ajibola Owoyemi and Ibrahim Adewale to Swedish side IF Karlstad, www.aclsports.com reports.

The duo, who have been under the radar of many European clubs, especially those in the Scandinavian region in recent times, become the latest products of the Ibadan-based Academy to move abroad.

Adewale, who was excellent last year and wore the captain’s armband, finished as the team’s top scorer in 2024 with 20 goals, and will now continue his development in Sweden.

Meanwhile, Ajibola Owoyemi – an energetic ball winner and a midfield trojan horse – joined the Academy in 2022, and has developed rapidly to become one of one of the exciting products of the Academy. The 18-year-old was also impressive for Nduka Ugbade’s boys at the 2023 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

“Ibrahim has been with us for 6 years and has been very consistent in the last three years which earned him a trial at Malmo twice, Elfsborg once and Norrkoping recently before joining Karlstad on loan,” says Tripple 44 founder Olatunji Okuku.

“Ajibola, on the other hand, has played for the U17 national team (Golden Eaglets). Joined us in 2022, and has also visited Lille, AIK and BP in Sweden.”

“I am confident that they will both play an integral role for the team as they aim to go up to Superettan next year. It was more of a project transfer as we were convinced with Karlstad’s project and the boys will have the chance to be part of something special,” Olatunji concluded.

Both players are joining the Swedish side on loan until the end of the season with an option to sign permanently if IF Karlstad reach the Superettan.

Previously, the Academy has produced the likes of Prince Amos (Norby IF), Ozor Okeke (IF Elfsborg), Adam Mustapha (Shooting Stars), Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku (IFK Göteborg) and Abel Ogwuche & Emmanuel Godwin (Trelleborgs)