Who is Christian Akpan? Meet the Genk star handed first Super Eagles chance by Eric Chelle

Youngster Christian Akpan has received a late invitation to the Super Eagles as head coach Eric Chelle has added him to his squad ahead of Nigeria’s international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 21-year-old defender may not yet be a household name among Nigerian football fans, but his steady rise in Belgium has caught the attention of the national team’s technical crew at a time when several established stars are unavailable.

Akpan’s call-up comes as Nigeria prepares for two demanding European tests following their successful Unity Cup campaign in London. With injuries, visa complications, fatigue and transfer negotiations affecting several regular players, Chelle has been forced to look deeper into the talent pool.

The move represents the biggest opportunity of Akpan’s career so far.

Christian Akpan’s football journey

Christian Monday Akpan was born on January 29, 2005, in Uyo Itam, Akwa Ibom State. Standing at about 1.76m tall, he has built a reputation as a hardworking and intelligent defensive player capable of operating in several positions.

Before moving to Europe, Akpan developed his game at the respected ASEC Mimosas academy in Ivory Coast, a football institution known for producing elite African talent.

His progress attracted the attention of Belgian club Genk, one of Europe’s leading development clubs. In January 2023, he officially joined the Belgian side and initially featured for their youth teams before establishing himself with Jong Genk, the club’s Under-23 side competing in the Belgian Challenger Pro League.

Akpan currently wears the number 65 shirt and remains under contract until June 2027, with Genk holding an option to extend the deal for an additional two years.

Although primarily listed as a left-back, he is naturally right-footed and can also play as a defensive midfielder or central midfielder. This flexibility has become one of his biggest strengths and a major reason why coaches value him so highly.

Why Eric Chelle selected Akpan for Nigeria

Christian Akpan’s invitation arrives at a crucial moment for the Super Eagles.

Several key players, including Ola Aina, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani, are unavailable for the June international window. As a result, Chelle has been left with a smaller squad than expected and has turned to emerging talents to provide cover.

Genk youngster Akpan has enjoyed an encouraging 2025-26 season. Playing in the Belgian Challenger Pro League, he accumulated close to 800 minutes of competitive football and impressed with his defensive awareness, interceptions, tackling and positional discipline.

Perhaps his most significant achievement came on Sunday, May 31, when he featured for Genk’s senior team in a Belgian Pro League playoff clash against Gent. Akpan completed the entire 120 minutes of the intense encounter, as ten-man Genk battled to a 1-1 draw before losing on penalties.

That performance reportedly convinced Nigeria’s coaching staff that he was ready to step up to international level.

With the Super Eagles short of options in midfield and defence, Akpan’s ability to cover multiple positions makes him an attractive option for Chelle.

What role could Akpan play against Poland and Portugal?

Nigeria’s first match will take place against Poland on June 3 at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw. The Super Eagles will then travel to Portugal for a second friendly on June 10 at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.

The matches come at an important stage of Chelle’s tenure as he continues to evaluate players ahead of future competitive fixtures.

Because Nigeria’s squad is relatively thin for the trip, opportunities could arrive quickly for newcomers. Akpan is expected to serve as a utility defender and midfielder capable of filling gaps wherever needed.

His versatility means he could operate at left-back, right-back, sit in front of the defence as a holding midfielder, or even be used in a more central midfield role if injuries or tactical adjustments demand it.

With experienced figures such as Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams expected to lead the team, Akpan will have the chance to learn from established internationals while pushing for his first senior cap.

Should he feature in Warsaw or Leiria, the Akwa Ibom-born defender will complete an impressive journey from youth football in West Africa to representing Nigeria on the international stage. The upcoming friendlies could be the beginning of a significant Super Eagles career for a player still developing at Genk.