Abdul-Yussuf Adedeji Adeniyi "Deji" Oshilaja (born 2 March 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for EFL League One club Mansfield Town.

Deji Oshilaja
Oshilaja playing for Cardiff City in 2013
Personal information
Full name Abdul-Yussuf Adedeji Adeniyi Oshilaja[1]
Date of birth (1993-03-02) 2 March 1993 (age 31)
Place of birth Bermondsey, England
Position(s) Defender
Team information
Current team
Mansfield Town
Number 23
Youth career
2009–2012 Cardiff City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2012–2017 Cardiff City 0 (0)
2013–2014Newport County (loan) 8 (0)
2014Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2 (0)
2015AFC Wimbledon (loan) 23 (1)
2015–2016Gillingham (loan) 12 (3)
2016Gillingham (loan) 10 (0)
2016–2017Gillingham (loan) 33 (2)
2017–2019 AFC Wimbledon 67 (3)
2019–2021 Charlton Athletic 42 (1)
2021–2024 Burton Albion 115 (5)
2024– Mansfield Town 13 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 17:10, 23 November 2024 (UTC)

Career

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Cardiff City

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Born in Bermondsey, Oshilaja joined Cardiff City as a 16-year-old, progressing through the academy to sign his first professional contract in April 2012.[2] His professional debut for Cardiff came on 14 August 2012, in a 2–1 defeat to Northampton Town in the Football League Cup. Oshilaja made his second appearance in another cup game in the new year, which also resulted in a 2–1 loss against Macclesfield Town. Despite this, Manager Malky Mackay praised Oshilaja's performance, describing it as "great courage".[3] At the end of the season, Oshilaja was offered a new contract by the club.[4]

On 31 October 2013, Oshilaja joined Newport County on a one-month loan.[5] He made his Football League début for Newport on 2 November 2013 versus Fleetwood Town.[6] He scored his first goal for Newport in the 3–0 win versus Portsmouth in the Football League Trophy match on 12 November 2013.[7] His loan spell at Newport was extended and he returned to Cardiff City in January 2014, which he made eight appearances for the club.[8][9]

On 7 February 2014, Oshilaja was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday until 12 March.[10] He then made his Sheffield Wednesday debut on 11 February 2014, playing as a centre-back, in a 3–0 loss against Wigan Athletic.[11] His second appearance came on 12 March 2014, also came against Wigan, which Sheffield Wednesday lost 1–0 for the second time in the 2013–14 season.[12] Oshilaja loan spell with Sheffield Wednesday was extended until the end of the season.[13] However, Oshilaja never made another appearance for the club and returned to Cardiff City.

On 8 January 2015, Oshilaja was loaned to AFC Wimbledon until the end of the season.[14] Oshilaja made his Wimbledon debut three days later, on 11 January 2015, in a 2–1 loss against Stevenage.[15] Oshilaja then scored his first goal for the club on 7 March 2015, in a 2–1 win over York City.[16] After making twenty-three appearances for the club, Oshilaja's performance saw him being awarded Natalie Callow Memorial Trophy for AFCW Young Player of the Year.[17] and returned to his parent club on 16 June 2015.[18]

Oshilaja was sent out on a six-month loan to Gillingham on 24 July 2015,[19] where he scored on the opening day of the season, in a 4–0 win against Sheffield United.[20] Three weeks later on 29 August 2015, Oshilaja scored his second goal of the season against Peterborough United.[21] However, Oshilaja suffered a knee injury during the match and was sidelined for two months.[22] After two months on the sidelines, Oshilaja made his return in the first team, in the quarter-final of the Football League Trophy, against Yeovil Town, in which he made his first start. Having formed a strong defensive partnership with John Egan in the first half of the season, Oshilaja was recalled by Cardiff in January.[23] He later returned to the club on 14 March 2016 for a second loan spell until the end of the season.[24] On 6 July 2016 he re-joined Gillingham on a season-long loan.[25]

AFC Wimbledon

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On 8 June 2017, Oshilaja agreed a deal to join AFC Wimbledon on 1 July, following the expiration of his contract with Cardiff.[26] He was named captain for AFC Wimbledon for the 2018–19 season.[citation needed]. In May 2019, Wimbledon released Oshilaja.[27]

Charlton Athletic

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On 22 July 2019, Oshilaja was signed by Charlton Athletic following his release from AFC Wimbledon for free on a two-year deal.[28] He scored his first goal for Charlton in a 2–0 win against Rochdale on 6 February 2021.[29]

On 18 May 2021, it was announced that Oshilaja would leave Charlton Athletic at the end of his contract.[30]

Burton Albion

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On 10 June 2021, Oshilaja signed for Burton Albion.[31] He became a key player for Burton quickly (and eventually the captain) playing 30 league games in the 2021–22 season and over 40 in 2022–23 for the Brewers. Oshilaja renewed his contract in the summer of 2023.

He was released by Burton at the end of the 2023–24 season.[32]

Mansfield Town

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On 17 June 2024, Oshilaja signed for Mansfield Town.[33]

Personal life

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Born in England, Oshilaja is of Nigerian descent.[34]

Career statistics

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As of 23 November 2024[35]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Cardiff City 2012–13[36] Championship 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
2013–14[37] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2014–15[38] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
2015–16[39] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2016–17[40] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 0
Newport County (loan) 2013–14[37] League Two 8 0 2 0 0 0 2[a] 1 12 1
Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 2013–14[37] Championship 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
AFC Wimbledon (loan) 2014–15[38] League Two 23 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 1
Gillingham (loan) 2015–16[39] League One 22 3 0 0 2 0 1[a] 0 25 3
2016–17[40] League One 33 2 2 0 3 0 2[b] 0 40 2
Total 55 5 2 0 5 0 3 0 65 5
AFC Wimbledon 2017–18[41] League One 42 2 3 0 1 0 2[b] 0 48 2
2018–19[42] League One 25 1 4 0 2 0 1[b] 0 32 1
Total 90 4 7 0 3 0 3 0 103 4
Charlton Athletic 2019–20[43] Championship 25 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 27 0
2020–21[44] League One 17 1 0 0 2 0 1[b] 0 20 1
Total 42 1 1 0 3 0 1 0 47 1
Burton Albion 2021–22[45] League One 30 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 33 0
2022–23[46] League One 42 3 3 3 0 0 5[b] 2 50 8
2023–24[47] League One 43 2 2 0 1 0 4[b] 2 50 4
Total 115 5 7 3 2 0 9 4 133 12
Mansfield Town 2024–25[48] League One 13 1 1 0 1 0 2[b] 0 17 1
Career total 325 16 21 3 16 0 20 4 382 23
  1. ^ a b Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy

Honours

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Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Premier League clubs submit squad lists" (PDF). Premier League. 4 February 2014. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 March 2016.
  2. ^ "ADAM Davies, one of the second year trainees released by Cardiff City last week, is training with Scottish Premier League St Johnstone". Wales Online. 3 April 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  3. ^ "Cardiff boss Malky Mackay stands by selection after FA Cup shock". BBC Sport. 6 January 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  4. ^ "Cardiff City: McPhail departs, McNaughton offered new deal". BBC Sport. 16 May 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2013.
  5. ^ "Cardiff City defender Adedeji Oshilaja joins Newport on loan". BBC Sport. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  6. ^ "Fleetwood Town 4–1 Newport County". BBC Sport. 2 November 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  7. ^ "Newport County 3–0 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 12 November 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  8. ^ "Oshijala extends Exiles stay". Sky Sports. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  9. ^ "Exiles boss targets new striker in transfer window". South Wales Argus. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  10. ^ "Oshilaja agrees Owls switch". Sheffield Wednesday. 7 February 2014. Archived from the original on 10 February 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2014.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. ^ "Sheffield Wednesday 0–3 Wigan Athletic". BBC Sport. 11 February 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  12. ^ "Wigan Athletic 1–0 Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. 12 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  13. ^ "Oshilaja extends". Sheffield Wednesday F.C. 21 March 2014. Archived from the original on 22 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. ^ "Double defensive swoop". AFC Wimbledon. 8 January 2015. Archived from the original on 8 January 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. ^ "Stevenage 2–1 AFC Wimbledon". BBC Sport. 11 January 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  16. ^ "AFC Wimbledon 2 – 1 York City". BBC Sport. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Bayo honoured to win awards". AFC Wimbledon. 3 May 2015. Archived from the original on 12 May 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  18. ^ "Dons handed Cardiff tie". AFC Wimbledon. 16 June 2015. Archived from the original on 17 June 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
  19. ^ "Confirmed Transfer New: Oshilaja Loaned; City Sign Blaise". Cardiff City Football Club Official Site. 24 July 2015. Archived from the original on 24 July 2015.
  20. ^ "Gillingham 4 – 0 Sheffield United". BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
  21. ^ "Peterborough United 1 – 1 Gillingham". BBC Sport. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  22. ^ "On-loan Cardiff City defender Adedeji Oshilaja is set to miss Gillingham's game against Colchester United". Kent Online. 18 September 2015. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  23. ^ "Cardiff City recall defender Adedeji Oshilaja from loan spell at Gillingham". Kent Online. 5 January 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
  24. ^ "Deji Oshilaja: Gillingham re-sign Cardiff City defender on loan". BBC Sport. 14 March 2016.
  25. ^ "Gills Make Double Signing". Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  26. ^ "Deji Oshilaja: AFC Wimbledon sign Cardiff City defender". BBC Sport. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  27. ^ "Dons offer new contract to key man - but Barcham, Oshilaja, Soares and McDonnell released".
  28. ^ "Done Deal – Charlton complete signing of defender Deji Oshilaja". www.cafc.co.uk.
  29. ^ "Rochdale 0–2 Charlton". BBC. 6 February 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  30. ^ "Squad update following completion of the 2020/21 season". www.cafc.co.uk.
  31. ^ "BREWERS TO SIGN DEJI OSHILAJA FROM CHARLTON ATHLETIC". Burton Albion. 10 June 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2021.
  32. ^ "Retained/released list 2023–24".
  33. ^ "Stags land versatile midfielder". Mansfield Town. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  34. ^ Lewis, Matt (21 May 2015). "Cardiff City expected to make late call over the future of AFC Wimbledon target Deji Oshilaja". mylondon.
  35. ^ "Games played by Adedeji Oshilaja". SoccerBase. 18 June 2016. Retrieved 18 June 2016.
  36. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  37. ^ a b c "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  38. ^ a b "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  41. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  42. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  43. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  44. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  45. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  46. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  47. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  48. ^ "Games played by Deji Oshilaja in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  49. ^ "Player of the Year Deji eager to help push the Dons forward next season". AFC Wimbledon. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
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