Hope Akpan: A New Hope for Super Eagles’ Midfield

Hope Akpan

Hope Akpan has never hidden his intention to play for Nigeria in spite of the fact that he was born in Liverpool and had donned the colours of England at the junior level. With the Super Eagles’ hope of defending the African Cup of Nations won in South Africa hanging in the balance with just one point from two games, Coach Stephen Keshi must now win the back-to-back fixture against Sudan to have a chance of booking a place in the biennial competition slated for Morocco, As a result, Keshi is turning his attention to the Reading of England midfielder to salvage the situation, writes Kunle Adewale

It is not strange for Nigeria to parade players born and who have equally played for England at the age grade level in the national team. The list is endless. Tunji Banjo, John Fashanu Rueben Agboola, Efan Ikoku are some of the English imports to the Nigerian team. And recently, Victor Anichebe, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi have joined the bandwagon.
And with the recent disappointment from his midfielders, Keshi is looking in the direction of Hope Akpan who was born in England and had played for England at the junior level.

"I have always stated that every footballer eligible to play for Nigeria, irrespective of where he plays will get a chance to play for his country as long as he’s fit and playing regularly at a high level. Akpan is a player we’ve been monitoring for some time now. He has already played six matches for his club this season and we believe he can add something to the group. I think it’s time to give these players a chance to represent their country at the highest stage and I am hoping they do well for their fatherland and grab this chance," Keshi said.
Keshi however would not agree to the general conception that that Akpan's invitation was as a result of Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi's below per performance against Congo and South Africa respectively.

"It’s a pity that a lot of Nigerians don’t understand what Mikel does for the team. Mikel is one of the most professional players I have ever worked with as a coach. Some persons even say that no one can talk to Mikel even when he’s doing wrong. I find that very shocking. Anyone who knows me as a coach and a person will tell you that the only person I cannot question is God. So, I laugh when I hear stories that I can’t speak to Mikel if he goes astray. I really don’t care who you are. I will tell you how I feel. John and I, we understand each other. It’s time for Nigerians to start appreciating Mikel because he works so hard for the team.”

In a chat with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Friday Ekpo said the invitation extended to Akpan was welcome development as it will add bite to the midfield which was suspect when Nigeria hosted Congo.

"Keshi has his reasons for inviting the player. He must have watched him severally and he is convinced that he can add value to his team. And the fact that the player himself was willing to play for his fatherland is an added advantage," Ekpo who was once Keshi's teammate in the national team said.

After Super Eagles' 2013 African Cup of Nations victory, Akpan's quest to play for Nigeria has been on the rise in spite of being eligible to play for England, as he was born and raised in Liverpool by Nigerian parents.

"Watching Nigeria do well in the African Cup of Nations was a delight as it has been a while since the Eagles were at the top of the tree. Both my parents are Nigerians so playing for Nigeria would definitely be an honour for me. To play for England would also be an honour but for me, Nigeria is where my heart lies. To see a player like Victor Moses who was brought up in the UK play for Nigeria and do well, becoming one of the outstanding players of the tournament was an inspiration for me," Akpan said.

The Reading FC midfielder has expressed joy at being called up by Nigeria for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations two-legged game against Sudan. He is one of four new players handed invitations by Keshi.
The former Everton man could not contain his excitement, adding that he remained grateful for the chance to represent Nigeria at international level.

"I am delighted to say the least with the Super Eagles call up! I appreciate all the well wishes and messages," said Akpan on his Twitter account.
He said Victor Moses' choice to play for Nigeria had inspired his decision.
Born in Childwall, Liverpool, Akpan made his competitive debut for Everton against Bate in 2009 in the UEFA Europa League.
In 2011, Akpan moved on loan to Championship side Hull City for the remainder of the 2010–11 season.
He signed for newly promoted League Two club Crawley Town on a free transfer on June 14, 2011.

Akpan was charged with misconduct by the FA in November 2011, after homophobic comments were posted on his Twitter account. Despite insisting that someone else had posted the comments, he admitted the charge after no one came forward to claim responsibility, and he was fined £1,200 by the Football Association.

Akpan signed for Premier League side Reading on a three-and-a-half-year contract in January 2013.
He came through Everton's youth team. He is an energetic, all-purpose midfielder