Chuba Akpom reignites hope for Ajax with spectacular performance
Ajax, facing a challenging season marked by disappointments in multiple competitions, received a much-needed boost this weekend courtesy of Chuba Akpom’s stellar performance. The Nigerian striker’s double in the Eredivisie clash against Zwolle not only secured a vital victory for Ajax but also revitalized hopes of European qualification for the struggling club.
In a 3-1 triumph over Zwolle, Akpom showcased his prowess by finding the net twice, in the 24th and 84th minutes respectively.
With these goals, the 28-year-old forward has now tallied an impressive total of 12 goals across all competitions, with nine of them coming in Eredivisie matches where he boasts a remarkable record of five goals in just 19 appearances, including five starts.
Akpom’s remarkable form places him at the pinnacle of Eredivisie strikers, boasting an enviable scoring rate of one goal every 76 minutes of play.
Such consistency underscores his pivotal role in Ajax’s pursuit of European qualification, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging season for the club.
Despite facing setbacks, including early exits from the Europa Conference League and the Dutch Cup, Ajax remains determined to salvage its season by clinching a spot in European competition.
Currently positioned fifth in the Eredivisie standings with 44 points, Ajax trails third-placed Twente by 12 points, a gap that Akpom and his teammates are eager to narrow in the remaining seven matches of the season.
For Akpom, the latter part of the season presents an opportunity to overshadow his initial struggles at Ajax.
Following a delayed start to his scoring campaign, Akpom has demonstrated resilience and potency, mirroring his stellar performance during the 2022-2023 season where he excelled at Middlesbrough, finishing as the Championship’s top scorer with 28 goals in 40 matches.
With just seven matches remaining, Akpom’s focus remains steadfast on propelling Ajax towards European qualification while harboring hopes of earning a coveted call-up to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
As Ajax strives to conclude the season on a high note, Akpom’s resurgence serves as a beacon of optimism for the club and its supporters alike.
Au départ puis à la finition de l’action, Chuba Akpom inscrit son 12e but de la saison ! 🫡
pic.twitter.com/7GwbmwjEYM— Naija Football 🇳🇬 (@NaijaFootball_) March 31, 2024
