Ex-Nigeria striker who scored winner v France now Club Brugge's player development coach

With a statement on the official website, Belgian Jupiler Pro League side Club Brugge have confirmed that retired Nigeria international Joseph Akpala has joined Nicky Hayen's coaching staff.

Akpala has been appointed Club Brugge's Player Development Coach within the staff, with a focus on the individual development of the club's first team players. 

The 38-year-old earned nine caps for the Super Eagles and is best remembered for scoring the decisive goal in a 2009 international friendly against a star-studded France side featuring Karim Benzema, Nicolas Anelka, Franck Ribéry, Patrick Vieira and Patrice Evra.

Akpala has joined Club Brugge after spending the past three seasons as an assistant coach at KV Kortrijk.

The former Bendel Insurance striker returns to Club Brugge, where he played from 2008 to 2012, scoring 56 goals and providing 19 assists in 168 appearances across all competitions.

During his stint at KV Kortrijk, the former Super Eagles forward served as assistant coach in 102 matches and took charge of five games as interim manager.

In addition to his spells at Club Brugge and Bendel Insurance, Akpala turned out for Charleroi, Werder Bremen, Karabükspor, KV Oostende, Al-Faisaly, and Dinamo Bucharest during his playing career.

He finished as the Belgian top-flight's leading scorer in the 2007–08 season with 16 goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: clubbrugge.be

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