Benito: Nigeria–Ivory Coast winger leaves Akritas Chlorakas to become free agent

Nigeria and Ivory Coast dual-national winger Benito has left Cypriot side Akritas Chlorakas and is now a free agent after his contract expired, with the move to “Without Club” registered as a completed transfer. The change in status was officially recorded on 2026-07-01, with no transfer fee involved and his new deal as a free player running from 2026-07-01 to 2026-07-01, effectively confirming his availability on the market.

The 27-year-old right winger, who prefers to operate on the right flank cutting in from the wing onto his left foot, departs the Cypriot 2. Division with a current market value listed at €125k. His exit marks the end of his spell at Akritas Chlorakas, where he had been competing in Cyprus’ second tier before the conclusion of his contract.

Born in Abidjan and holding both Nigerian and Ivorian nationality, Benito embodies a blend of West African football cultures. Standing at 1.80m, he is primarily deployed as an attacking right winger, using his left foot to drive inside from wide areas. His profile lists “Attack – Right Winger” as his main position, underlining that he is considered an out-and-out offensive wide player rather than a utility option.

At the time of his release, Benito’s player registration shifted to “Without Club”, a standard designation indicating he is unattached and free to negotiate with any interested side. The move sees him leave the structured environment of Akritas Chlorakas and the Cypriot 2. Division for the uncertainty of free agency, with his new “club” categorised under “N/A” in terms of league and competition. No transfer fee was recorded, consistent with a player’s contract expiring and not being renewed.

His dual nationality gives him flexibility in his next step, with the possibility of continuing abroad rather than returning immediately to either Nigeria or Ivory Coast. While he has no current national-team affiliation listed, his background and age profile mean he remains in what is widely regarded as a player’s peak years.

Benito’s current listing shows no active club contract beyond his transition into free agency, no prior contract start date at Akritas Chlorakas, and no updated market valuation beyond the €125k figure. His national team is recorded as “Without Club”, reinforcing that, at present, his status is entirely unattached at both club and international level.

As he enters the open market, clubs seeking a left-footed right winger with experience in European lower-league football may view Benito as a relatively low-risk acquisition, especially with no transfer fee required. His immediate future will depend on which club chooses to move for him, but the end of his Akritas Chlorakas stint and this confirmed move into free agency represents a pivotal moment in his career trajectory.