Chuba Akpom plays himself into Super Eagles contention as he seals Ajax move

Chuba Akpom has boosted his chances of receiving a Super Eagles call-up after officially sealing a move from Middlesbrough to Ajax. 

Akpom scored 28 goals in 38 league games for Middlesbrough last season to finish as the Championship's top scorer. 

However, despite finishing as the top scorer in England’s second division, Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro did not consider him for selection. 

But with the move to Ajax, Akpom has now given himself a real chance of earning a call-up to the Super Eagles squad. 

The 27-year-old was announced as an Ajax player on Wednesday after signing a five-year deal worth a repeated €12.30m, leaving Boro after just a year, having joined the club from PAOK Salonika last summer. 

His move to Ajax is expected to raise his profile and shine more spotlight on him, which should increase his chances of earning a national team call-up. 

The competition in Nigeria’s attack is the best in recent years, but Akpom can play himself into contention now that he is playing in one of Europe’s top leagues. 

The prospect of also playing in Europe with Ajax could boost his chances of getting a long-awaited invitation, even though he may have to replicate his display from last season. 

Meanwhile, the ex-Arsenal man will wear the number 10 jersey at Ajax and he is expected to make his debut this weekend. 

Akpom is the latest Nigerian to play for Dutch’s biggest clubs, following in the footsteps of Nwankwo Kanu, Findi George, Sunday Olisey, Tijani Babangida, Pius Ikedia and Calvin Bassey, who left the club this summer to sign for Fulham in the Premier League.