Akpata's rocket nominated for West Ham's Goal of the Month

Posted : 05 March 2025

Two young footballers of Nigerian descent, Tyron Akpata and Chinaza Nwosu, have earned nominations for West Ham United's Goal of the Month for February 2025. Akpata, 18, received recognition for his remarkable strike against Derby County in a Premier League 2 match, while Nwosu, a rising star in the England U17 team, was nominated for his goal against Manchester United U18s.

Akpata’s goal played a pivotal role in extending West Ham's winning streak in Premier League 2 to seven consecutive matches, as they triumphed 1-0 over Derby County on February 28. His goal came just four minutes before halftime when he curled a first-time shot into the top corner of the net, after being set up by Sean Moore on the edge of the box.

For Akpata, the strike against Derby County was nothing short of memorable. He described it as "the best goal of his whole life," a sentiment reflecting the immense pride he felt in his performance. The young player’s journey to this point has been marked by consistent dedication, as he has appeared in every Premier League 2 match for West Ham this season.

Before scoring his first goal of the season, Akpata had accumulated 1,307 minutes over 19 matches, participating in both Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy. His solid performances in these competitions showcased his readiness to contribute at the highest level, earning him respect among coaches and teammates.

The Goal of the Month nomination sees Akpata competing against prominent figures in West Ham United, including first-team star Jarrod Bowen, Women’s player Riko Ueki, and fellow Academy player Sean Moore. The competition highlights the impressive performances across both the men's and women's teams at the club.

In a significant milestone in his career, Akpata signed his first professional contract with West Ham United last summer, marking the beginning of his professional journey with the Hammers. His potential has been recognized, as he was invited to train with the first-team squad this season, a clear indication of his growth and future prospects at the club.

Both Akpata and Nwosu’s nominations are exciting for Nigerian football, as they continue to make waves at youth levels in England. With his remarkable goal and continuous development, Akpata’s future looks bright, and the recognition is just one step on his promising career path.

Akpata's rocket nominated for West Ham's Goal of the Month

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