George Akpabio in focus

Akpabio at Plateau United

Plateau United leading scorer, George Akpabio, is one of the rising stars in the Nigeria Premier League.

In this report, the forward tells SuperSport.com’s Ojeikere Aikhoje how football earned him a scholarship at the famous St. Murumba College, Plateau United’s fight for survival and why Chelsea and Spain star; Fernando Torres remains his football hero.

Plateau United gaffer, Bitrus Bewarang is a happy man because his team has made significant progress in the second round of the Nigeria Premier League.

The club had a shambolic campaign in the first round which eventually led to the exit of Ndubuisi Nduka and Bewarang decided to return to the dug-out to combine technical and administrative duties at the club. His return has brought smiles to the faces of fans of the club.

Bewarang’s joy is due to the exceptional performance of top scorer, George Akpabio, who has maintained his consistency in front of goal.

The forward was headed for Kwara United during the mid-season break, but Bewerang resisted the move because he wouldn’t let his most important player leave the team.

Akpabio performance in the second round has clearly justified Bewerang’s decision to hold on to him. In six matches, he has scored five goals and is one of the top scorers in the NPL with nine goals.

The duo of Emmanuel Odafe and Stanley Dimgba has enabled Akpabio to punish their opponents.

“I’m excited that my goals have put smiles on the faces of people at Plateau United,” he said to SuperSport.com.

Akpabio is one of the few youngsters who has achieved stardom within a short time in the elite class. This is his first year in Nigeria’s top flight and he has turned out to be one of the most outstanding players.

The youngster rose through the ranks to become a top star at Plateau United, one of the oldest clubs in the Nigeria’s top flight. He has since wormed his way into the hearts of the vociferous fans of the club and coaches with his goals.

Call the club’s most important player and you won’t be wrong.

For over seven years, Plateau United remained in the wilderness, but Akpabio’s goals during the 2009/ 2010 season eventually boosted their return to the elite class. In fact, he was the club’s top scorer in the lower division.

SuperSport.com Pre-season Rating:

Interestingly, his top performance in the lower division earned him a place in SuperSport.com’s ‘10 to watch in NPL this season.’ Akpabio has justified SuperSport.com’s pre-season rating. According to the report published on the eve of the season: “Youngster George Akpabio is arguably the most interesting player at Plateau United.

Akpabio is a strong player who has the ability to shoot with precision. He also has the qualities of good positioning and the ability to dribble.

“The striker was groomed through the youth ranks of Plateau United before he was elevated to seniors of the club. Akpabio is one of the reasons Plateau United have found themselves back in the top-flight after six years in the lower league.”

Akpabio is also aware that he will be the reason for Plateau United’s survival in the top flight.

“I have to keep scoring because we need goals to escape the drop. With the support of my teammates, it’s a task that can be achieved,” he said after his brace against Zamfara United.

Scholarship

Akpabio revealed that the ‘beautiful game’ has really been good to him as he passed through St. Murumba College, in Jos.

“I was on scholarship because of my football skills. It’s something that I can’t forget.

“I had a nice time too as I contributed to the school’s participation in the Shell Cup throughout my time at the school. Football enabled me to enjoy every moment at the school,” he stated

Plateau United’s survival:

It’s no longer news that Plateau United’s survival depends on Akpabio’s ability to hit target.

“We will get better and leave the drop zone. The team plays well, but we will continue to pray for luck. It’s just a phase and we’re not under pressure. The team is experiencing a new lease of life,” Akpabio said to SuperSport.com.

The Akwa-Ibom state indigene, who remains a loyal Plateau United fan promised to score more goals to ensure the fortune of the team improves.

“I know goals can change our status that’s why I always want to score,” he added.

Fernando Torres:

Akpabio spends his spare time watching Spain’s World Cup star, Fernando Toress to learn new tricks.

“I enjoy watching him because of the way he plays. I’ve also been told that I play like him too. Torres is a great player with superb skills.

“He’s a world-class striker, who is quick, strong, impressive in the air, blessed with expert technique and is cool and collected in front.

I’m always working hard to display these qualities on match days," he told SuperSport.com.

National Team:

The Plateau United star is confident his time will come at the national team. “It’s the dream of very player to represent his country one day. I had a stint with the Under-20 national team during the qualifiers for the African Youth Championship. I know the team is set for the World Youth Championship, but my time will come one day,” Akpabio said.

Full Name: George Akpabio

Former Club(s): None

Honours: Plateau State Federation Cup

National Cap(s): Nil: Invited to Under-20 camp


Source: SuperSport.com: This article was published last year (2011)