Racing Genk of Belgium youngster, Christian Monday Akpan is eager to get his first senior national team shirt this Wednesday and play a role for the Super Eagles in their international friendly versus Poland, Sports247 reports.
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It promises to be an explosive encounter in Warsaw, as Poland will hope to make amends for a 1-0 loss they suffered on home soil to the same team back in 2018, and Akpan hopes to be part of the day’s historic outing.
The lad born in Akwa Ibom State gets this opportunity as a late invitee to the Eagles’ camp, with a view to filling in for a handful of absent players, but many observers believe he is good enough for a starting shirt this Wednesday.
All odds that go in favour of Akpan are based on his growing status, as the 21-year-old full-back has been a regular for Genk’s second team this season, then stepped up to the main squad for their recent fixture in the UEFA Europa League playoffs.
This past Sunday, Akpan also featured for Genk’s main team in a Belgian Pro League play-off clash against AA Gent, against which he played the entire 120 minutes and helped his side eke out a 1-1 draw before losing on penalties.
A report by Afrik-Foot noted in part, “Christian Monday Akpan was born on January 29, 2005 in Uyo Itam, Akwa Ibom State. He is a hardworking and intelligent defensive player capable of operating in several positions.
“Before moving to Europe, Akpan developed at ASEC Mimosas academy in Ivory Coast, where his progress attracted the attention of Genk and, in January 2023, he officially joined the Belgian side (but) initially featured for their youth teams.
“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.
“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. He 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.”
