Chuba Akpom extending his English football skills to Nigeria

• He is a Nigerian professional footballer
• He helped PAOK win the Greek Cup in 2019
• He has not yet received a call-up to the Nigeria national team for a major tournament

Chuba Akpom is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Dutch club Ajax, and chose to play for Nigeria over England national team.

His football journey has been with various clubs across England and Greece before landing at Ajax. Born in England, he came through the Arsenal academy and made his debut for the club. However, he struggled to break into the first team and spent several years on loan at various English clubs including Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, Brighton and Sint-Truiden. 

The striker finally found his footing at PAOK in Greece and became a key player for the club, helping them win the Greek Cup, a performance that earned him cult hero status among the club’s fans. After his successful spell at PAOK, he moved to Middlesbrough in England for one season, then back to PAOK.

Chuba Akpom. Photo/The Argus

The player signed with one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands, Ajax. Though he has not been a regular starter yet, he has contributed valuable goals and has shown glimpses of his potential. He represented England at the youth and under-21 levels and later chose to play for Nigeria.  However, he has not yet received a senior call-up for the Super Eagles.

Chuba Akpom’s Educational Background

While his career took center stage from a young age, his educational background is still impressive. He attended St. Helen’s Primary School before moving to St. Bonaventure’s Catholic School in East Ham, London.

While still at St. Bonaventure joined the Arsenal academy, where he focused on refining his football skills alongside his academic studies. He valued his education alongside his footballing commitments, attending established schools and participating in the esteemed Arsenal academy.

Successfully juggling academics and a demanding footballing schedule indicates strong dedication and time management skills. As he signed professional papers with Arsenal, the emphasis likely shifted towards his football career.

Chuba Akpom Personal Life

The striker was born on October 9, 2995, in Newham, London to Azu and Patience Akpom. From a young age, his footballing talent shone through and played on the streets and local pitches, where he honed his skills.

At just six years old, he caught the attention of Arsenal scouts and joined their esteemed academy, a step that marked the beginning of his journey towards professional football. He rose through the ranks, impressing the coaches with his technical ability.

The player signed his first professional contract with Arsenal and with expectations of joining the first team, he faced stiff competition which led him to embark on a series of loan spells across England. The spells at Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, Brighton Hove Albion and finally PAOK in Greece helped him gain valuable experience.

The loan spells proved crucial in his development and he matured as a player, adapting to different playing styles at various clubs. Despite representing England at youth levels, he decided to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria.

As he continues his journey in the Eredivisie with Ajax, he is set for further success both at the club and international level.

Chuba Akpom Career Journey

Born in England, he came through the Arsenal academy and made his debut for the club. However, he struggled to break into the first team and spent several years on loan at various English clubs including Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, Brighton and Sint-Truiden. 

Chuba Akpom. The Athletic

The striker finally found his footing at PAOK in Greece and became a key player for the club, helping them win the Greek Cup, a performance that earned him cult hero status among the club’s fans. After his successful spell at PAOK, he moved to Middlesbrough in England for one season, then back to PAOK.

The player signed with one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands, Ajax. Though he has not been a regular starter yet, he has contributed valuable goals and has shown glimpses of his potential.

He represented England at the youth and under-21 levels and later chose to play for Nigeria. However, he has not yet received a senior call-up for the Super Eagles.