Chuba Akpom: Nigerian striker unlikely to make Ajax debut against Excelsior

By Wale Mustapha

There are strong indications that new Ajax signing, Chuba Akpom will not be listed for the club’s Eredivise clash at home to Excelsior on Saturday, according to Dutch daily newspaper, Algemeen Dagblad.

Akpom had joined the Dutch giants from Middlesbrough on a five year deal worth €13m but is likely to sit out of Manager Maurice Steijn’s team for the Saturday’s game due to administrative issues.

Akpom is yet to be issued a work permit following the move to the Netherlands from United Kingdom. However, he may be in contention to make his competitive debut for the four-time European champions next Thursday when they face Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad in the playoff round of the UEFA Europa League.

Akpom, who is still hoping to get his Super Eagles’ bow with Nigeria is also struggling for match fitness as he has not played competitively since the Championship playoff tie with Coventry City back in May.

Akpom picked up an injury against the Sky Blues but made a return to full training with the Boro squad before his trip to the Netherlands.