By Ojeikere Aikhoje
naijapremierleague.net
Akpabio @ kickoff.com
Nigeria Premier League side, Plateau United got their top scorer, George Akpabio for nothing, but will reap the fruits of their labour for developing him into a top rated player.
Akpabio grew up in Jos and attended trials with other players. At the end of the exercise, he was able to convince officials, who gave him a contract.
The rest is history as he has continued to score goals with ease. Last season, he was the club's top scorer in the lower division and is now top scorer for the club in the elite class.
In fact, he is presently the second top scorer in the NPL.
It is no longer news that the forward is on the wish list of several European clubs in Austria, Holland, Serbia, Turkey and Norway.
The influential SuperSport.com profiled him as one of the new stars to shine in the 2010/2011 Nigeria Premier League season and he has vindicated the report.
During the mid-season, Plateau United’s NPL rivals, Kwara United, almost snatched him, but for the vigilance of club boss, Bitrus Bewarang.
Akpabio returned to Plateau United to continue what he does best and has since scored 12 goals. He is just one goal behind the top scorer.
The best thing about Akpabio is that he can be deployed to the wings even as a center forward and that kind of versatility could play a role in clubs that believe in attacking football.
Call him the 'next big Nigerian football export' and you won't be wrong.
Akpabio has certain attributes that make him a standout performer.
In this special report, NPL expert, Ojeikere Aikhoje, who writes for leading website on the Nigeria Premier League, naijapremierleague.net reveals the top 10 attributes possessed by Akpabio.
1. Technique:
Akpabio can be a live-wire when the ball is at his feet.
His technique has been proven in several matches because he has scored all sorts of technically astute goals ranging from first time volleys to goals inside the box.
"I learnt some tricks from Fernando Torres. He's my childhood football hero."
2. Finishing
Forwards are sometimes known to be wasteful in front of goal, but Akpabio is not in that class.
He has the ability to finish off knowing that mistakes in front of goal could lead to painful defeats.
Those who watched Joetex Frimpong at Enyimba will understand the importance of finishing. Akpabio doesn't waste chances.
3. First Touch
Akpabio is a forward that possesses an excellent first touch.
In football, one touch too many is more than enough for the opposition defense to recover well, so having a player that has a good first touch will be vital in attack.
4. Off the ball
Akpabio is not only dangerous when he has the ball, he is even more dangerous without the ball.
He’s capable of drawing attention to himself to give his co-forwards, Stanley Dimgba, Emmanuel Odafe and Kelly Paul, the chance to bury the ball inside the net of opponents.
5. Assits
Any coach can count on Akpabio to create goals for his team.
He is not just a goal scorer, but has assisted his teammates to score on match days.
6. Determination
George Akpabio is one player who is determined to succeed. The determination in him is one reason why he has continued to get the goals for his team.
"I'm determined to suceed. So anytime I step on the pitch, I know it's time to score goals," Akpabio told naijapremierleague.net.
7. Creativity
NPL followers admit Plateau United is one team with amazing reserve of creative talent and this is evident because the creativity begins from the frontline to the midfield.
In fact, people still wonder why the team is at the wrong side of the table.
8. Teamwork
Akpabio has since realised that victory is only possible when you can work with others.
For every goal he scores, Akpabio recognises the role of other players from the goalkeeper, who touched the ball before it gets to him.
"Football is team work so I have to applaud my teammates after the goal has been scored. Besides, every great player must work with his teammates to guarantee victory for their team " he said.
9. Consistency
He is of the few players, who have scored goals away from home.
Some players only score during home matches, but he has brought smiles to his teammates during road trips.
10. The God Factor
The forward believes God has been good to him and so he appreciates God in his own way after scoring goals.
Culled from www.naijapremierleague.net (This article was published in July, 2011)
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