It would probably be fair to say that new Colchester United signing Akanni-Sunday Wasiu has come a long way in his short career.

Quite literally.

The powerful 24-year-old played in Nigeria, Poland and Lithuania before arriving in England, where he was spotted by the U’s playing for non-league St Albans City.

His new home is in north Essex, where he has been handed a one-year contract by U’s boss Geraint Williams.

And he is determined to grasp his big opportunity with both hands.

He told the Gazette: “It’s my big dream to be playing League football in England and I’m very happy to be a Colchester player.

“I like the players, I like the fans and the most important thing is, I like the gaffer.

“He has been like a father to me – I am very grateful to him for giving me a chance to prove myself.”

Wasiu has impressed for the U’s in their pre-season campaign so far.

He has scored three times and will be looking for more goals tomorrow when Colchester play their latest pre-season friendly at Coca-Cola League Two club Dagenham and Redbridge, who were also reportedly interested in his services.

Wasiu secured a trial with the Coca-Cola League One club, having initially trained with Williams’ side towards the end of last season.

And having rejected interest from the likes of Crewe Alexandra and Woking, Wasiu is now a fully-fledged Colchester United player.

The one-year deal he has penned at the Weston Homes Community Stadium offers the Nigerian striker a chance to establish himself in English football.

Having played for Odyssey United in Lagos, he moved to southern Poland to play for Szczakowianka Jaworzno and then Lithuanian club FC Vilnius.

St Albans City of the Blue Square South league was his next port of call.

The Hertfordshire side were keen to keep Wasiu – but the lure of league football proved far greater.

With the likes of Mark Yeates and Medy Elito ready to provide him with plenty of ammunition in the forthcoming season, he cannot wait to get started.

“I like the way they play at Colchester and I think they understand my game,” he said.

“They play it on the ground which will help me score some goals.

“I’m very positive because the midfield players we have at Colchester are very good.

“I played with Colchester in pre-season and I like the way the players interact.

“I like to play with my feet, using the channels as much as possible.

“They play a very aggressive type of football in the Conference but in League football, it’s a little different.”

Wasiu’s arrival at Colchester brings the number of summer signings they have made to six and the strikers they have available to four.

He will compete with Steven Gillespie, Clive Platt and Scott Vernon for a starting berth but is not concerned by the competition for places at the U’s.

He added: “It’s normal for a club to have several strikers and that doesn’t worry me.

“You have to be challenged as a player and that gives you more strength to play.”