The journey from grassroots football in Lagos to the grand stage of European football is never accidental. It is built on years of sacrifice, belief, discipline, and the right people showing up at the right time. For Lion Junior Olaitan, that journey has now reached one of its most defining moments.
The highly rated Nigerian youngster has completed a blockbuster move to Turkish giants Besiktas JK, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2029 with an option for an additional year. The total transfer package is valued at 8.5 million euros, underlining both the club’s faith in his potential and the rising value of Nigerian talent developed locally.
As news of the transfer broke, the CEO of 36 Lions Football Club and Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, Hajji Gafar Liameed, penned an emotional and deeply personal goodwill message to one of the club’s proudest alumni.
In his message, Hajji Liameed congratulated Olaitan for staying true to the process and trusting the long-term vision laid out for his development.
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He described the move as the reward for years of dedication, persistence, discipline, and self-belief, qualities that have come to define Olaitan’s rise through the ranks.
According to him, Olaitan is not just moving clubs but carrying the identity of the Lions Clan into one of Europe’s most passionate football environments.
He emphasized that the midfielder represents the values of 36 Lions FC through strong character, humility, and total commitment to excellence, traits that have caught the attention of top European scouts and decision-makers.
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The 36 Lions supremo also took time to acknowledge the coaches and mentors who shaped Olaitan’s football education.
He credited Coach Afis Ajibade for laying the original foundation while praising Baba Arigo for overseeing the player’s continued growth and transition into a more complete footballer.
Beyond Nigeria, Hajji Liameed highlighted the important role played during Olaitan’s time at FC Ayema, where Coach Emile Enassouan and Coach Urbain Honfo contributed significantly to his tactical development and mental maturity.
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In modern football, elite transfers are rarely completed without strong representation, and Olaitan’s move to Besiktas was no exception.
Special commendation was reserved for the player’s agent, Tobi Alabi, whose professionalism, structured management, and successful negotiations ensured a smooth transition to the Turkish Super Lig.
Hajji Liameed also acknowledged the presence and contribution of Cem Sagar, expressing confidence that Olaitan is surrounded by the right people as he takes this major step in his career.
For Besiktas, the signing represents an investment in youth, energy, and long-term potential as they look to strengthen their squad and compete aggressively in domestic and continental competitions.
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For Nigerian football, it is another powerful statement that local academies, when properly structured, can consistently produce players ready for Europe’s biggest stages.
As Olaitan prepares to don the famous black and white colours of the Kara Kartallar, the message from home is clear.
He carries the pride of Lagos, the legacy of 36 Lions FC and the hopes of a football nation that continues to export excellence to the world.
