Ajax striker Chuba Akpom has once again voiced his desire to play for Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to the Super Eagles despite a six-year wait for an invitation.
The Arsenal academy graduate, who switched his international allegiance in 2019, has continued to progress in his career, yet he remains on the fringes of Nigeria’s national team setup.
Still Waiting for the Call
(L to R) Chuba Akpom, Alex Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide attend the Denver Nuggets v Indiana Pacers game during NBA Global Games London 2017 at The O2 Arena. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for NBA)
Akpom played a crucial role in Ajax’s Europa League clash against Galatasaray on Thursday, assisting the team’s opening goal.
After the match, he was asked about his Super Eagles aspirations and admitted that he has been waiting for an opportunity for years.
“I try to give 100%. I’ve been waiting since 2019. I switched allegiances a long time ago, but if it happens, it happens. I’ll just keep working hard,” he told Oma Sports.
The 29-year-old also shed light on the perception surrounding dual-nationality players switching to Nigeria.
“It’s not that players switch over because they can’t play for England. It’s just that they haven’t had the opportunity to play for Nigeria from a young age. They grow up in England, play in England, and naturally progress through the English youth system,” he added.
Impressive Club Form, But No National Recognition
This season, Akpom has featured in 32 matches for Ajax, scoring eight goals and providing one assist. While Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface remain Nigeria’s standout strikers, there are few Nigerian forwards consistently playing at the highest level in Europe.
Akpom, born in England to Nigerian parents, represented England at the U-16, U-17, U-19, U-20, and U-21 levels before deciding to switch allegiance to Nigeria in 2019.
Despite an exceptional 2022/23 season with Middlesbrough where he scored 28 goals and registered two assists in 40 games, he was overlooked for a call-up.
Now at Ajax, his situation remains unchanged, with no invitation from the Super Eagles.
Does Akpom Fit into the Super Eagles System?
Players of the Nigeria Senior Men’s NT celebrate after a goal was scored.
Unlike some of Nigeria’s traditional number nines, Akpom brings versatility to the attack. He can play as a center-forward, an attacking midfielder, or a right winger.
At Middlesbrough, he thrived as a supporting striker, operating in the space between midfield and attack, a role he believes suits him best.
“Yes, I think so. I had the most success in that position last season. People think I played as a deep striker because I scored so much, but I played behind the striker all season. I’m flexible,” he explained.
While the Super Eagles boast an array of attacking talents; Osimhen, Boniface, Sadiq Umar, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, and others still awaiting a call-up, Akpom’s ability to function as a second striker could make him an asset.
Over the past five years, Alex Iwobi has been the only consistent performer in that creative role for Nigeria. With no real competition for the position, Akpom could offer the Super Eagles a fresh option in linking midfield and attack.
At 28, time may not be on his side, but if he continues to deliver at club level, the Super Eagles’ selectors may soon have no choice but to take notice.
