[4][5] On 3 February 2018, Nik Akif made his first league appearance for Kelantan in a 1–2 defeat over Melaka United coming off bench for Fadhilah Pauzi.

On 2 September 2017, Akif has been selected to represent Malaysia U19 at 2017 AFF U-18 Youth Championship in Yangon, Myanmar.

On the final of Hassanah Bolkiah Trophy, Akif scored the winning goal for Malaysia defeating Myanmar 3-4.

[8] On 31 October 2017, Akif Syahiran scored one goal in 1–4 win over Timor-Leste during the 2018 AFC U-19 Championship qualification at Paju Public Stadium.

[9] On 10 January 2018, Akif made his first appearance for the Malaysia U23 came from the bench in the 88th minute in a 1–4 defeat to Iraq at Changshu Stadium.