Chuba Akpom, a Nigerian forward, has expressed his unhappiness at being overlooked by the Super Eagles for six years, despite his unrelenting devotion to representing Nigeria.
Since moving his international allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2019, Chuba Akpom is yet to be called up to the national team, which he finds baffling, especially given his strong club exploits.
Akpom, 29, was born in England to Nigerian parents and represented England at several youth levels, including the Under-16, Under-17, Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 teams.
However, in 2019, he changed his national allegiance due to a desire to contribute to the Nigeria national team. Unfortunately, he has not been named to a Super Eagles matchday team since that important move.
While with Middlesbrough in the 2021-2022 season, Akpom established himself as one of the best attackers in the English Championship, scoring 28 goals and contributing two assists in 40 games.
Despite his outstanding performance, he was passed over for national team selection, leaving him upset and bewildered.
Akpom, who is currently playing for Ajax, has made 32 appearances this season and scored eight goals and assisted once. His assist for Ajax’s opening goal in a recent Europa League match against Galatasaray demonstrated his playmaking abilities, but the lack of a national team call-up remains a source of frustration for him.
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After the Europa League game, Akpom spoke with Nigerian sports journalist Oma Akatugba about his thoughts on the scenario. “I don’t have a clue why I have not been invited to the Super Eagles,” he told me.
“But I believe that for the nation to prosper, it must be based on merit. Players who are performing well should be selected.”
Despite the ongoing wait for national recognition, Akpom is determined to work hard and earn his place. “I aim to offer 100%. “I’ve been waiting since 2019, and I switched allegiances a long time ago,” he reminisced. “But if it happens, it does. If not, I’ll continue to work hard.”
As he continues to hone his skills and enhance his game, Akpom hopes that his on-field performance will eventually lead to an opportunity to represent the Super Eagles.
With notable players like Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface now making waves in the Nigerian squad, Akpom understands that if he can improve his scoring statistics and maintain his form, he may soon find himself wearing the national colours he so desperately wants to wear.
