Chuba Akpom joins elite Nigerian list after scoring against Manchester United

Chuba Akpom became the ninth Nigerian player to score against Manchester United after finding the net for Ipswich Town in their 5-2 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old forward, who joined Ipswich permanently from Ajax during the summer, came off the bench at half-time with Manchester United already in control of the match. He made little impact during the second half but struck in stoppage time to complete the scoring.

Ipswich Town had taken the lead in the 29th minute, but Manchester United responded through Bruno Fernandes, who equalised 11 minutes later.

A Jacob Greaves own goal put the hosts in front in the 56th minute before Fernandes added two more goals to complete his hat-trick. Bryan Mbeumo then scored Manchester United’s fifth in the 82nd minute.

Akpom’s goal came with what proved to be the final kick of the game. Ipswich attacker Julio Enciso won possession from Lisandro Martinez deep inside Manchester United territory and carried the ball into the penalty area before finding Akpom unmarked.

The former Arsenal player made no mistake from close range, tapping the ball into the net to reduce Ipswich’s deficit to three goals.

His finish moved him into an exclusive group of Nigerian players who have scored against Manchester United. The list includes Nwankwo Kanu, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Obafemi Martins, Shola Ameobi, Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi.

The goal represents an important personal milestone for Akpom as he looks to establish himself during his first full campaign at Portman Road. He will now hope to build on the moment as Ipswich attempt to secure their Premier League status.

Akpom was born in England to Nigerian parents and chose to represent Nigeria internationally. However, he has yet to make an appearance for the Super Eagles.

Manchester United’s emphatic victory was their second match of the campaign. They had opened the season with a 2-0 defeat by Hull City and went into the meeting with Ipswich Town seeking a response.

Instead, they produced an attacking display which left Akpom with little opportunity to influence the contest after being introduced at the interval. His late finish nevertheless ensured he joined a distinguished group of Nigerian footballers to have scored at Old Trafford against Manchester United.