AFC Ajax striker Chuba Akpom says he will spend the next international break in London after being snubbed by Nigeria, Soccernet reports.
Akpom has made himself available for selection for the Nigerian national team after switching his international allegiance from England.
The former Arsenal star played for England from U16 to U21 before deciding to represent the African giants.
Still, he has not been called to any Nigerian squads since 2019.
After excelling at Middlesbrough last season, Akpom has struggled in the Netherlands this term.
However, the former PAOK forward has managed seven goals and one assist in 18 Eredivisie games for Ajax.
Despite his impressive output, Akpom was not included in the Nigerian squad preparing to face Ghana and Mali in international friendlies later this month.
While many of his teammates would be travelling out of Amsterdam to join their national teams this week, Akpom would be heading to London to reflect on Ajax’s poor showings this term.
“I’m going back to London and spending time with my family because it’s been a difficult time for all of us,” Akpom said, as per Ajax Life.
“We need to calm down mentally and clear our heads so that we can end the season on a positive note.”
Akpom was the standout performer for the Amsterdammers at the weekend, netting a goal and providing an assist in a 2-2 draw with Sparta Rotterdam.
The Anglo-Nigerian striker came from the bench to make that impact, and he confessed that he would rather play regularly and score goals.
“Scoring goals, that’s what I dream of,” Akpom added.
“I’m doing everything I can. I put my head on the line to score. This is one of my qualities. I like to score goals and be important. An assist also gives a good feeling because you are helping a teammate. It is also good for Steven’s confidence.”
Akpom is finding difficulty getting a call-up to the Nigerian national team because of the wealth of attacking options available to the Super Eagles handlers.
Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, and others are ahead of Akpom in the pecking order.
