Chuba Akpom: What Ipswich Town’s promotion means for Nigeria-eligible forward

Ipswich Town have secured a return to the English Premier League after just one season away, following their 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers earlier today, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Tractor Boys were relegated last season after finishing 19th in the top flight, but they have bounced back immediately by sealing a second-place finish on a tense final day of the EFL Championship season.

Heading into the final day, Ipswich had occupied one of the automatic promotion spots and knew exactly what was required of them. Win and be guaranteed promotion.

They delivered in style and joined Coventry City as the two sides that have promoted automatically to the top flight. Meanwhile, Millwall, Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough will battle it out in the playoffs for the final promotion spot.

Ipswich Town seal immediate Premier League return

Nigeria-eligible forward Chuba Akpom was hoping to make his 30th league appearance of the season for Ipswich Town, as he had mostly been reduced to a substitute role off given the firm of first-choice striker George Hirst.

However, he was named among the substitute once again in their final match of the campaign.

Ipswich made a blistering start, scoring twice within the opening 10 minutes of the match to set the tone for an impressive victory.

Hirst opened the scoring in the third minute, finishing off a well-worked team move, before turning provider six minutes later to set up Jaden Philogene for the second goal.

QPR goalkeeper Joe Walsh produced several fine saves to keep his side in the match, but he had no answer in the 85th minute when Kasey McAteer added a third goal to seal an emphatic win for Ipswich.

The victory confirmed Ipswich’s second-place finish and secured their spot in next season’s Premier League, sparking celebrations among the club’s supporters.

What next for Chuba Akpom?

Chuba Akpom began his career at Arsenal and has since played for several clubs across Europe before joining Ipswich Town on a season-long loan deal from Ajax Amsterdam last summer.

Ipswich had been involved in a dramatic race with three other clubs before eventually landing the Nigerian forward. 

According to Skysports, the loan agreement included an obligation to make the deal permanent for around £7 million if they achieved promotion to the Premier League.

There had been uncertainty surrounding Akpom’s future heading into the final weeks of the campaign especially if Ipswich had failed in their promotion bid and questions were raised over if the club could commit to signing the 30-year-old.

However, with promotion now secured, Ipswich are expected to trigger that obligation, which would resolve the uncertainty over his future.

Akpom also has previous experience in the Premier League, which could prove valuable for Ipswich as they hope to avoid another short stay in the top flight.

The 30-year-old will be determined to make his mark on the big stage once again, especially after his previous spells and he has now been handed another opportunity with Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season.