James Adeniyi

Adeniyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria into a Muslim family, and was raised in the Mushin neighbourhood of Lagos along with his two brothers and four sisters. In 2009, he was called up to a training camp hosted by the Nigeria under-17 national team, but he was later dropped and didn't make the final squad that went on to tour Qatar.{{cite news|url=http://www.sl10.ng/news/articles/categories/nigeria-interviews/the-professionals-sl10-chats-to-kf-laci-youngster-adeniyi-james/194769|title=SL10 Chats To KF Laci's Adeniyi James|publisher=Sl10.ng|date=5 December 2014|access-date=7 February 2016}}

In January 2012, James joined Albanian Superliga side Bylis Ballsh, where other Nigerian players were already part of the squad, and he initially joined the club's youth team before being promoted to the first team ahead of the 2012–13 campaign. He made his professional debut on 23 September 2012 in an Albanian Superliga tie against FK Kukësi, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute for Shkëlzen Kelmendi in the 1–0 loss.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/09/23/albania/super-league/ks-perparimi-kukes/ks-bylis-ballsh/1305988/|title=Kukësi vs. Bylis Ballsh 1 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=23 September 2012|access-date=7 February 2016}} Just a few days later on 26 September, James made his first professional start in an Albanian Cup tie against Tërbuni Pukë, where he also scored his first professional goal in the 2–0 win.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2012/09/26/albania/cup/ks-terbuni-puke/ks-bylis-ballsh/1395655/|title=Tërbuni Pukë vs. Bylis Ballsh 0 – 2|publisher=Soccerway|date=26 September 2012|access-date=7 February 2016}}

In January 2013, James was sent on loan to fellow top flight side Tomori Berat for the second part of 2012–13 season.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/ne-berat-e-lane-pa-buke-sot-xhejmsin-e-do-gjithe-superiorja/|title="Në Berat e lanë pa bukë, sot Xhejmsin e do gjithë Superiorja"|trans-title=“In Berat they left him without food, now James is wanted by all Superliga”|publisher=Sport Ekspres|language=Albanian|date=31 May 2018|access-date=31 May 2018}} After being initially used as a right-back, James impressed with his attack play and incursions forward and was given a more attacking role. He played his first game for his new side on 10 February, starting and playing full-90 minutes in a 1–0 away loss to Tirana.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/02/10/albania/super-league/kf-tirana/fk-tomori-berat/1306058/|title=Tirana vs. Tomori Berat 1 – 0|publisher=Soccerway|date=10 February 2013|access-date=31 May 2018}} His first score-sheet contributions for the team came later in his fourth appearance, netting the opener inside four minutes in an eventual 1–2 home loss to Kastrioti Krujë.{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/03/03/albania/super-league/fk-tomori-berat/ks-kastrioti-kruje/1306077/|title=Tomori Berat vs. Kastrioti Krujē 1 – 2|publisher=Soccerway|date=3 March 2013|access-date=31 May 2018}} James played 12 matches during his short-spell term at the club, all of them as starter, collecting 1062 minutes as the team was relegated to Albanian First Division after two seasons. Following the end of the season, the team was scattered and James remained without money, after not being paid most of the time by the club, living along with the other foreigner players in the mini hotel near the stadium.

On his European debut in the first qualifying round of the Europa League on 3 July 2014, James scored his first European goal against Slovenian side Rudar Velenje away from home. His goal came in the 89th minute of the game which equalised the score at 1–1.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2014655--rudar-velenje-vs-lac/|title=Rudar Velenje 1–1 KF Laçi|publisher=UEFA|date=3 July 2014|access-date=7 May 2016}} He also scored during the return leg, opening the score only to have a last gasp equaliser take the game to extra time and then penalties, where Laçi won 3–2 in the shootout and where Adeniyi scored the winning penalty.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2014694--lac-vs-rudar-velenje/|title=KF Laçi 1–1 Rudar Velenje|publisher=UEFA|date=10 July 2014|access-date=7 May 2016}}

After Laçi were eliminated from Europa League, James played his first league match on 24 August 2014, assisting Elton Doku in a 1–1 home draw against Partizani Tirana.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/lufte-per-nje-pike-partizani-barazon-ne-lac-trajneri-duro-racic-bast-im-i-fituar/|title="Luftë" për një pikë, Partizani barazon në Laç. Trajneri Duro: Raçiç, "bast" im i fituar|trans-title="War" for a point, Partizani equates in Laç. Coach Duro: Raĉić, my winning "bet"|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Vladimir Prenga|date=25 August 2014|access-date=20 September 2014}} On 20 September, in the matchday 5 against Tirana, James set-up his second assist of the season in a 2–0 home over the capital club.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/zhgenjen-tirana-laci-i-cungut-i-jep-leksion-acarohet-magani-sdua-gjenerale-ne-fushe/|title=Zhgënjen Tirana, Laçi i Cungut i jep leksion. Acarohet Magani: S’dua gjeneralë në fushë|trans-title=Tirana disappoints, Cungu's Laçi gives lecture. Magani angry: I don't want generals on the field|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Vladimir Prenga|date=20 September 2014|access-date=21 September 2014}} He scored his first goal of the season on 27 September in a 1–1 away draw against Flamurtari Vlorë, scoring the goal in 31st minute with a great chip from outside the zone.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/laci-ndal-flamurtarin-incidente-ne-tunel-gjoka-na-mungon-qetesia-para-portes/|title=Laçi ndal Flamurtarin, incidente në tunel. Gjoka: Na mungon qetësia para portës|trans-title=Laçi stops Flamurtari, incidents at the tunel. Gjoka: We don't have calmless in front of goal|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|author=Ermal Sika|date=28 September 2014|access-date=1 October 2014}}

In first leg of first round of 2014–15 Albanian Cup against Naftëtari Kuçovë, he scored the opener in 6th minute, helping the team to get a comfortable 2–0 away win.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/laci-shenon-qe-ne-tunel-naftetari-eshte-i-dorezuar/|title=Laçi shënon që në tunel, Naftëtari është i dorëzuar|trans-title=Laçi scores in the tunel, Naftëtari is handed over|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=3 October 2014|access-date=3 October 2014}}

On 12 August 2015, in the 2015 Albanian Supercup match held at Qemal Stafa Stadium, James scored twice for the team in an eventual 2–2 draw; he also scored his penalty shootout attempt helping Laçi to win the match 8–7 by penalty shootouts. That was the club's first Albanian Supercup in history.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama-sport.com/laci-fiton-superkupen-e-shqiperise-mundin-skenderbeun-me-penallti/|title=Laçi fiton Superkupën e Shqipërisë, kurbinasit mundin Skënderbeun me penallti|trans-title=Laçi wins Albanian Supercup, kurbinasit defeats Skënderbeu on penalties|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=12 August 2015|access-date=15 August 2015}}

On 1 February 2016, in the last day of the winter transfer window, James left Laçi to join Skënderbeu Korçë, where he signed a three-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.kfskenderbeu.al/?p=1943|title=Zyrtare, James Adeniyi vishet bardhekuq|trans-title=Official, James Adeiyi wears white&red|publisher=Skënderbeu Korçë|language=Albanian|date=1 February 2016|access-date=1 February 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422105208/http://www.kfskenderbeu.al/?p=1943|archive-date=22 April 2016}} He debuted with the club six days later in the match against Kukësi, where James first assisted the first goal of Salihi and later scored for himself in an eventual 3–1 home win, placing Skënderbeu two points clear at the top.{{cite news|url=http://telesport.al/salihi-dhe-xhejms-likujdojne-kukesin-kampionet-rikthehen-ne-krye/|title=Salihi dhe Xhejms likujdojnë Kukësin, kampionët rikthehen në krye|trans-title=Salihi and James liquidate Kukësi, the champions return to top|publisher=Telesport.al|language=Albanian|author=Alfred Lleshi|date=7 February 2016|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729191731/http://telesport.al/salihi-dhe-xhejms-likujdojne-kukesin-kampionet-rikthehen-ne-krye/|url-status=dead}}

On 4 May, in the matchday 33 of the league against Laçi, James was the main protagonist by providing three assists and netting twice for himself as Skënderbeu Korçë scored six goals in the first half in an eventual 6–1.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/skenderbeu-luan-tenis-me-lacin/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506022706/http://www.supersport.al/skenderbeu-luan-tenis-me-lacin/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 May 2016|title=Skënderbeu luan tenis me Laçin|trans-title=Skënderbeu plays tenis with Laçi|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Andi Deçka|date=4 May 2016|access-date=4 May 2016}} In the final matchday of Albanian Superliga against Flamurtari Vlorë, James provided the assist of the team's second goal in an eventual 2–0 away success, helping the club to win its sixth consecutive league title and seventh overall.{{cite news|url=http://top-channel.tv/2015/05/16/skenderbeu-shpallet-kampion-korcaret-mposhtin-2-0-flamurtarin/|title=Skënderbeu shpallet kampion; korçarët mposhtin 2-0 Flamurtarin|trans-title=Skënderbeu is champion; korçarët defeats Flamurtari 2-0|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=Albanian|date=16 May 2016|access-date=16 May 2016}} He finished the season by scoring 23 goals in all competitions with Laçi and Skënderbeu, including 15 in league, setting a new personal best.

James started the new season on 24 August by playing the last 10 minutes of the 2016 Albanian Supercup, where Skënderbeu was defeated 3–1 by Kukësi at the Selman Stërmasi Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/kukesi-fiton-superkupen-e-shaqiperise/|title=Kukësi fiton Superkupën e Shqipërisë|trans-title=Kukësi wins Albanian Supercup|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Rinald Bregasi|date=24 August 2016|access-date=25 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826013058/http://www.supersport.al/kukesi-fiton-superkupen-e-shaqiperise/|archive-date=26 August 2016|url-status=dead}} He started the league season by making another appearance as a substitute as the team won 2–1 against Flamurtari Vlorë at home.{{cite news|url=http://www.shekulli.com.al/p.php?id=489772|title=Hamdi Salihi dhe Skënderbeu nisin mbrojtjen e titullit|trans-title=Hamdi Salihi and Skënderbeu begin the title defence|publisher=Shekulli.com.al|language=Albanian|author=Olsi Avdiaj|date=8 September 2016|access-date=8 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921172557/http://www.shekulli.com.al/p.php?id=489772|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=dead}} On 24 September, in the matchday 4, in his first match as a starter, James scored the lone goal against Luftëtari Gjirokastër as Skënderbeu grabbed the fourth consecutive win.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/skenderbeu-fiton-por-nuk-shkelqen/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925015043/http://www.supersport.al/skenderbeu-fiton-por-nuk-shkelqen/|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 September 2016|title=Skënderbeu fiton por nuk shkëlqen|trans-title=Skënderbeu wins but doesn't shine|publisher=SuperSport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Erald Kodheli|date=24 September 2016|access-date=24 September 2016}}

He made his 100th Albanian Superliga appearance on 25 April 2016 in the matchday 31 against Tirana.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/skenderbeu-ia-del-ne-tirane-vendos-nje-autogol-video/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427202731/http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/skenderbeu-ia-del-ne-tirane-vendos-nje-autogol-video/|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 April 2016|title=Skënderbeu ia del në Tiranë, vendos një autogol (VIDEO)|trans-title=Skënderbeu makes it in Tirana, an owngoal decides (VIDEO)|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=25 April 2016|access-date=25 April 2016}} In 2016–17 season, James made 32 league appearances and scored 8 goals as Skënderbeu failed to win the title for the first time in six years.{{cite news|url=http://www.supersport.al/partizani-i-dyti-barazoi-me-skenderbeun/|title=Partizani i dyti, barazoi 2-2 me Skënderbeun|trans-title=Partizani second, drew 2-2 with Skënderbeu|publisher=Super Sport Albania|language=Albanian|author=Andi Deçka|date=27 May 2017|access-date=18 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703011935/http://www.supersport.al/partizani-i-dyti-barazoi-me-skenderbeun/|archive-date=3 July 2017|url-status=dead}} He also contributed with 6 matches and 3 goals in Albanian Cup as Skënderbeu lost the final to Tirana.{{cite news|url=http://www.fshf.org/index.php/sq/lajme/5662-tirana-fiton-kupen-e-shqiperise-sezoni-2016-2017|title=Tirana fiton Kupën e Shqipërisë, sezoni 2016-2017|trans-title=Tirana wins Albanian Cup, 2016-2017 season|publisher=FSHF.org|language=Albanian|date=31 May 2017|access-date=19 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606024405/http://fshf.org/index.php/sq/lajme/5662-tirana-fiton-kupen-e-shqiperise-sezoni-2016-2017|archive-date=6 June 2017|url-status=dead}}

On 23 November 2017, in the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League Group B match against Dynamo Kyiv, James scored the second goal of his team in an eventual 3–1 home win, their second ever group stage victory.{{cite news|url=http://top-channel.tv/2017/11/23/skenderbeu-super-ndaj-dinamos-se-kievit-udheheq-3-1/|title=Skënderbeu fiton 3-2, por i lë jashtë fitorja e serbëve|trans-title=Skënderbeu win 3-2, but serbs' victory leaves them out|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=Albanian|date=23 November 2017|access-date=24 November 2017}} Although Skënderbeu was eliminated with one match in hand, he was named Man of the Match by UEFA.{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/match/2022112--skenderbeu-vs-dynamo-kyiv/|title=Skënderbeu 3-2 Dynamo Kyiv|publisher=UEFA|date=23 November 2017|access-date=24 November 2017}}

On 27 May 2018, in the 2018 Albanian Cup Final, James won a penalty that was scored by Sabien Lilaj for the only goal of the match versus Laçi, meaning Skënderbeu has won the Albanian Cup for the first time.{{cite news|url=http://sportekspres.com/skenderbeu-triumfon-ne-kupe-vendos-nje-11-metersh-i-dyshimte/|title=Skënderbeu triumfon në Kupë, vendos një 11-metërsh i dyshimtë|trans-title=Skënderbeu triumphs in cup, a suspicious penalty decides|publisher=Top-Channel.tv|language=Albanian|date=27 May 2018|access-date=28 May 2018}} He also contributed with 10 goals and 32 appearances in championship which ended in conquest, meaning that the club has completed the domestic double for the first time in history.{{cite news|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/zyrtare-skenderbeu-shpallet-kampion-i-kategorise-superiore-per-sezonin-2017-2018/|title=ZYRTARE/ Skënderbeu shpallet kampion i Kategorisë Superiore për sezonin 2017-2018|trans-title=OFFICIAL/ Skënderbeu named champion of Albanian Superliga for 2017-18 season|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=9 May 2018|access-date=28 May 2018}}

On 26 June 2018, James moved to Gabala FK of Azerbaijan Premier League by penning a three-year contract, rejoining his former teammate Sabien Lilaj.{{cite web|url=http://gabalafc.az/eng/news/adeniyi-signs-for-gabala-3831|title=Adeniyi signs for Gabala|website=gabalafc.az|publisher=Gabala FK|date=26 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018}} Skënderbeu reportedly earned €200,000 from the transfer and also retained 25% part ownership.{{cite web|url=http://www.panorama.com.al/sport/transferimi-i-xhejms-ne-azerbajxhan-ja-e-verteta-e-perfitimit-te-skenderbeut/|title=Transferimi i Xhejms në Azerbajxhan, ja e vërteta e përfitimit të Skënderbeut|trans-title=James' transfer in Azerbaijan, here's the truth of Skënderbeu's earning|publisher=Panorama Sport|language=Albanian|date=27 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018}} He was presented on the same day, stating: “I’m happy to join up with Gabala. I’m a footballer with great targets and want to hit them in this club. I came to Gabala to reach to new successes. I know Gabala made some progresses in the UEFA Europa League last seasons. But this time I want to be a part of the more successes and go more ahead in the continental championship.”{{cite web|url=http://gabalafc.az/eng/news/i-ll-play-in-my-best-to-make-our-fans-happy-adeniyi-says-3832|title=I’ll play in my best to make our fans happy, Adeniyi says|website=gabalafc.az|publisher=Gabala FK|date=26 June 2018|access-date=26 June 2018}}

On 9 July 2019 signed to Ironi Kiryat Shmona.{{cite web|url=https://www.one.co.il/Article/18-19/1,1,3112,60409/339348.html?ref=hp|title=החלוץ הניגרי ג'יימס אדני סיכם בק"ש ויחתום|website=One.co.il|first=Shalom|last=Elbaz|language=Hebrew|date=9 July 2019|access-date=9 July 2019}}

James is a practicing Muslim. He is eligible to play for Nigeria, Togo and Albania, and has expressed his desire to play for Albania should the opportunity present itself.[https://www.brila.net/isreali-based-striker-adeniyi-ready-to-dump-nigeria-for-albania/ {{sic|Isre|ali-based|nolink=y}} striker Adeniyi ready to dump Nigeria for Albania]

{{updated|match played 1 February 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/adeniyi-segun-james/268606/|title=Nigeria - J. Adeniyi - Profile with news, career statistics and history|website=Soccerway|access-date=7 February 2016}}{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

{{notelist}}

Laçi

• Albanian Cup: 2014–15
• Albanian Supercup: 2015

Skënderbeu Korçë

• Albanian Superliga: 2015–16, 2017–18
• Albanian Cup: 2017–18

Gabala

• Azerbaijan Cup: 2018–19

{{Reflist}}

• {{UEFA player|250071546}}

{{Hapoel Hadera F.C. squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Adeniyi, James}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:Yoruba sportspeople

Category:Nigerian men's footballers

Category:Nigerian expatriate men's footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:KF Bylis players

Category:KF Laçi players

Category:KF Skënderbeu Korçë players

Category:Gabala SC players

Category:Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona F.C. players

Category:Maccabi Petah Tikva F.C. players

Category:Tuzlaspor players

Category:Hapoel Hadera F.C. players

Category:Kategoria Superiore players

Category:Azerbaijan Premier League players

Category:Israeli Premier League players

Category:TFF 1. Lig players

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Albania

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Azerbaijan

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Israel

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Turkey

Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Albania

Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Azerbaijan

Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Israel

Category:Nigerian expatriate sportspeople in Turkey

Category:21st-century Nigerian sportsmen