Nigeria Players Abroad
UECL: Chuba Akpom makes history in Ajax demolition of Polish club
By Wale Mustapha
Nigerian-born striker Chuba Akpom has etched his name into Ajax’s history by becoming the fourth player to score a hat-trick in a European game for the club.
Akpom achieved this feat during Ajax’s 4-1 UEFA Europa Conference League first leg victory over Polish club Jagiellonia Bialystok on Thursday night.
Akpom joins an illustrious list of Ajax players who have scored three or more goals in a European match, which includes Mohammed Kudus (2023), Sébastien Haller (2021), and Luis Suárez (2009).
In the match, Akpom opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a brilliant solo effort.
He netted his second goal of the game shortly after the hour mark, capitalizing on a loose ball inside the box. He completed his hat-trick with a penalty nine minutes later.
Ajax will look to build on their strong performance as they host Jagiellonia in the second leg of the tie next week Thursday.
