Former Lincoln City winger Hakeeb Adelakun has been tipped to ignite his second spell at Doncaster Rovers in the most dramatic fashion possible, with the South Yorkshire derby at Rotherham United offering the perfect stage.
Adelakun rejoined Rovers on a permanent deal in January, returning to a club where he previously enjoyed a prolific loan spell. While he has yet to fully rediscover that purple patch since coming back, there is a growing belief that a big occasion could provide the spark required.
Speaking on BBC Radio Sheffield’s Rovers Chat podcast, Robbie Andrews suggested the setting of a derby could suit the former Imps wideman.
“With Adelakun, we’re still waiting for that spark to fully ignite aren’t we?”
“There’s been half-moments and his only goal so far came in the Vertu Trophy. He’s actually on 49 league goals in his career, so what a time it would be to get his 50th at the New York Stadium on Saturday.”
“We’re still waiting for it really and obviously he’s been playing in League Two and is maybe not quite used to this level again yet.
“He’s played a lot of his football at League One over the years but we’re just waiting for him to really kick on. I don’t think we’d be surprised to see it happen at the weekend because he’s a big-game player, Hakeeb Adelakun.”
For Lincoln supporters, that description of a “big-game player” rings true to a degree. Adelakun’s time at Sincil Bank was mixed, drifting in and out of the side under Michael Appleton and struggling for consistency. Yet he also produced moments that underlined his talent. His brace in a huge game against Charlton Athletic, then managed by Appleton, felt like redemption, a reminder of the direct running and end product that once made him one of League One’s most exciting wide forwards.
Adelakun’s broader career arc has always hinted at high ceilings. After emerging as Scunthorpe United’s youngest-ever player, he earned League One Player of the Month honours in December 2017 before securing a move to Bristol City. Championship opportunities proved limited, but loan spells at Rotherham and Hull City offered further exposure, including involvement in a promotion push with the latter.
He initially found rhythm again at Doncaster in early 2024, scoring nine goals in 19 league appearances and picking up League Two Player of the Month in February. After leaving Lincoln in the summer of 2024 and enjoying a productive spell at Salford City, his return to Rovers represented unfinished business.
Now, as he stands one goal away from a half-century in league football, the narrative feels primed. A former Lincoln City attacker, once unplayable on his day, stepping into a fierce derby with history and motivation on his side. If ever there was a moment to properly relaunch his Doncaster chapter, this could be it.
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