Q&A with NPL hotshot Akpabio

22 July 2011

Ahmed Musa’s 18-goal record will soon be history boasts Plateau United goals’ machine.

George Akpabio is the leading scorer in the Nigerian Premier League with 14 goals and he tells MTNFootball.com in this exclusive interview that he believes he will soon consign to the history books the NPL all-time record of 18 goals achieved by Ahmed Musa last season.

The striker, who is set to try out in Norway, will also hope his goals will help the club who gave him his first chance in the big time avoid relegation.

MTNFootball.com: How would you describe your goals for your club this season?

Akpabio: I really want to thank God for His mercies towards me this season. I have never doubted myself to score goals even when I started out with the feeder team of Plateau United.

I am only an instrument being used by God to enhance the position of my club. It is a pity that we are where we are in the league despite my efforts in front of goal.

MTNFootball.com: How did you miss out on the Flying Eagles who are now bound for the U20 World Cup in Colombia?

Akpabio: My not being with the team could be described as an act of God. I was with the team when they were preparing for the qualifying game against Guinea, but I did not have an international passport and this denied me the opportunity to travel with the team to Guinea.

But after that, I was never contacted again even when the team were preparing for the African Youth Championship.

I’m not disappointed at all as I believe that those in the team are good enough to defend the colours of Nigeria and I wish them all the best.

MTNFootball.com: How do you see your proposed move to the Norwegian league at the end of the season?

Akpabio: That is another miracle of God in my career. I never knew that some people were taking notice of my talent but I was just doing what I love doing week in, week out and to be given the opportunity to showcase this talent with the best overseas makes me very happy.

I believe that Norway is only a stepping stone for me to announce the arrival of another goals’ machine from Nigeria.

MTNFootball.com: Which of the 14 goals you have so far scored would you rate as the best?

Akpabio: Without a doubt, the second goal I scored against Warri Wolves in a week 33 league game in Jos holds a special place in my heart.

My team mates and coaches have described the goal as a wonder goal good enough to win the Goal-of-the-season award.

It was a deep penetrating cross from the right and my strike partner upfront chested the ball my way and I reacted quickly to volley the ball home with my right foot first time. It was really a great goal and will live long in my memory.

MTNFootball.com: Do you believe you could match or even beat Ahmed Musa’s 18- goals record of last season?

Akpabio: I believe that with five games to end the season, Ahmed Musa’s record will be history at the end of the season as my target remains to score 20 goals. With God on my side and the co-operation of my team mates, it is very possible.

MTNFootball.com: But most importantly will your goals save Plateau United from relegation?

Akpabio: With the unity of purpose now in the team, there is no way that Plateau United will be relegated.

I strongly believe my goals will ensure we remain in the Premier League at the end of the season.