NPL Hotshot Tries Out With Ajax

Ajax Cape Town have handed highly rated Nigerian striker, George Akpabio on trial.

Akpabio, who was a revelation in his first season in Nigerian Premier League, scoring 18 goals, arrived in Cape Town last week, and is reported to be doing well with the Urban Warriors.

The 19-year-old attended trails with Norwegian top-flight club Viking Stavanger last year, but could not sign because his Nigerian club Plateau United refused to release him, as they were fighting relegation.

“We had another option to send him to Europe for trials, but opted for Ajax Cape Town for their ability to develop youngsters into great players before sending them overseas,” Akpabio’s manager Mohammed Lawal said.

“We are confident that he will do well at Ajax because he is a great player.”

“Akpabio played for the unfashionable Plateau United and was neck-and-neck with leading goalscorer Jude Aneke for the top scorer’s prize in only his first season in the NPL,” said Colin Udo, editor of Kickoff Nigeria.

“He was a target of all top Nigerian clubs, and some in Europe. I’m actually surprised he didn’t choose to go to Europe on trial again.”