Ex-Super Eagles striker eager to coach former side Club Brugge

Joseph Akpala playing for Nigeria against Spain | Imago

Ex-Super Eagles striker eager to coach former side Club Brugge

Ayoola Kelechi 23:00 - 22.08.2023

The former Super Eagles striker has noted his preference to remain in Belgium, his second homeland

Former Super Eagles striker Joseph Akpala has stated his desire to one day coach his former side, Club Brugge, if given the opportunity by the Belgian Giants.

Akpala happy to coach Club Brugge

Akpala made 167 appearances for Club Brugge in a four-year spell during his heyday, scoring 57 times for the club in all competitions, and has recently stated that he would love to coach the side if given the opportunity.

The former Super Eagles frontman, who currently serves as an assistant coach at another Belgian side, Kortrijk, stated his desire to one day coach Club Brugge in an interview with Krant van West-Vlaanderen.

Joseph Akpala celebrates Club Brugge's fan day in 2012 | Imago
Joseph Akpala celebrates Club Brugge's fan day in 2012 | Imago

When asked if it would be a dream to coach Club Brugge during the interview, Akpala said, “I wouldn’t call it a dream, but if I ever get the chance, I would certainly be happy with it.”

Akpala keen to remain in Belgium

Akpala has already worked with Club Brugge after his playing days, as part of his coaching training, and would be glad to remain in Belgium if the opportunity arises.

He was quoted as saying, “We [His family] are completely settled here, and we want to stay here. Belgium is my second homeland. We are a small country, but everything is perfect here

Apart from starring for Club Brugge, Akplala also played nine times for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, scoring one goal, famously in a win over France in 2009.

Joseph Akpala playing for Nigeria against Uruguay at the 2013 Confederations Cup | Imago
Joseph Akpala playing for Nigeria against Uruguay at the 2013 Confederations Cup | Imago

He also played for Bendel Insurance in Nigeria, Charleroi and KV Oostende in Belgium, Werder Bremen in Germany, and Kardemir Karabükspor during his 13-year playing career.

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