Joseph Akpala is set to make a familiar return to the Belgian coast, as the experienced Nigerian striker has officially rejoined KV Oostende following a difficult spell in Saudi Arabia. After parting ways with his previous club and searching for a new challenge, the 33-year-old has now secured a contract with KVO that will keep him at the club until the end of the season. His arrival brings both experience and attacking depth to a side battling to climb away from the lower end of the Jupiler Pro League table.
This move marks a homecoming of sorts for Akpala, who already enjoyed a productive stint with Oostende between 2015 and 2018. During that period, he established himself as a reliable presence in attack and became a familiar figure for the yellow-and-red supporters. His knowledge of the club and the Belgian league could prove invaluable as Oostende looks to stabilize its campaign and secure crucial points in the months ahead.
Akpala’s connection with Belgian football runs deep. He first arrived in the country in 2005, joining Charleroi, where he began to build his reputation as a strong and clinical forward. His performances quickly attracted attention, and he earned a move to Club Brugge in 2008. It was there that he enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career, finishing as the league’s top scorer during the 2007–2008 season with 18 goals. His strength, positioning, and eye for goal made him one of the most feared strikers in the championship at the time.
His success in Belgium led to a transfer abroad in 2012, when German side Werder Bremen signed him. However, his time in the Bundesliga did not unfold as hoped, as he struggled to secure a regular place in the team. Seeking more opportunities, Akpala moved to Turkey in September 2013, spending time there before eventually returning to Belgium with Oostende two years later. His second spell with the coastal club allowed him to rediscover form and consistency, further strengthening his bond with the team.
Now back once again, Akpala could play an important role in Oostende’s fight to avoid relegation. Despite not having featured regularly in recent months, his experience and goal-scoring instinct remain valuable assets. Over the course of his career in the Jupiler Pro League, he has scored an impressive 89 goals, a tally that underlines his proven ability at this level. For a team that needs reliable attacking options, his presence could provide both leadership and crucial goals.
Oostende currently sits 14th in the standings with 12 points from 15 matches, just two points clear of second-to-last Waasland-Beveren and five ahead of bottom-placed Cercle Brugge. With the margin for error slim, every match is vital. Akpala’s return could therefore come at the perfect moment as the club seeks to distance itself from the relegation zone.
The striker may even make an early impact, with KVO set to face Club Brugge on November 22 for Matchday 16. For Akpala, it would be a symbolic reunion with one of his former clubs and an immediate opportunity to prove that he can still make a difference in Belgian football.
