'I'm sure he'll get his chance' - Iwobi backs fellow Hale End product Akpom for Nigeria call-up 

Alex Iwobi believes fellow Hale End Academy product Chuba Akpom has a future with the Super Eagles despite his omission from the squad to face Sierra Leone in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. 

Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro revealed earlier this week that the Middlesbrough marksman stood no chance of getting an invitation for the ongoing camp due to bureaucratic reasons.

Since taking over the managerial reins in May 2022, the Portuguese football tactician has placed his hopes for goals on the likes of Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi and Kelechi Iheanacho. 

Nottingham Forest center forward Taiwo Awoniyi was rewarded with a recall to the squad for the upcoming clash against Sierra Leone on the back of his fine form at the tail end of last season.

Akpom finished last season with 29 goals in all competitions, a career-high in a single campaign for the former Arsenal striker. 

When asked to share his view on the omission of Akpom from the Super Eagles latest AFCONQ squad, Iwobi told Brila FM, via Complete Sports: "That’s up to the coach in his selection unfortunately it’s very difficult because of the strikers we have who are on form.

"I’m sure hopefully he will get a chance because he’s had a great season but it’s very difficult for the coach to pick strikers to come. He just has to be patience I’m sure he’ll get his chance."

A former England youth teamer, Akpom trained with the Super Eagles in London six years ago but was provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth England as at that time. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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