Saturday, July 30, 2011

Akpabio heads for Viking Stavanger

By Ojeikere Aikhoje


Nigeria Premier League top scorer, George Akpabio, left Nigeria on
Friday night for Norway, where he will be guest of top flight team,
Viking Stavanger.

Akpabio, who is in his first season in Nigeria’s elite class, has
scored 14 goals to emerge as the hottest property in the highly rated
NPL with four matches to the end of the season.

The Norwagians are confident that Akpabio can fit into their plans
after monitoring his performance in Nigeria.

Akpabio told SuperSport.com that he's prepared for the task ahead.

"This is the biggest break of my soccer career. The Nigeria Premier
League has made me a better player and it's the ambition of every
footballer to play Europe. I intend to maximise the opportunities
available.

“God has been good to me and I believe my goals can bring the desired
results for Viking,” Akpabio said to SuperSport.com.

The striker expressed gratitude to his Nigerian team, Plateau United.

Sources close to Viking’s gaffer, Age Hariede, told SuperSport.com
that the club wants to utilise the Norwagian transfer window, which
opens on Monday August 1 to strengthen the squad with the Nigerian
forward.

Stavanger based newspaper; Rogaland Avis, has already profiled Akpabio
in one of their editions and the fans are eager to see their Nigerian
star.

The Plateau United star has impressed followers of the NPL with his
pace, sublime skills, brilliant first time touch, powerful shots and
deadly finishing.

Plateau United boss, Bitrus Bewarang applauded Akpabio for his
contributions to the team.

“Akpabio started from our youth team before graduating to the first
team,” Bewarang, a former assistant coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles
said to SuperSport.com.

Akpabio will join Nigerian-born Benin International, Isaac Loute, who
has since arrived Stavanger.

The success of compatriot, Anthony Ujah at Lillestrom has boosted the
profile of Nigerian players in Norway and Hariede believes it’s time
for Viking to source for goalscorers in Africa.

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