Akpabio heads for Viking Stavanger

By Ojeikere Aikhoje

Nigeria Premier League (NPL) top scorer, George Akpabio (pictured) on Friday left for Norway where he will be guest of topflight team, Viking Stavanger.

Akpabio, who is in his first season in Nigeria’s elite class, has scored 14 goals to emerge as the hottest property in the highly rated NPL with four matches to the end of the season.

The Norwegians are confident that Akpabio can fit into their plans after monitoring his performance in Nigeria.

Akpabio told SuperSport.com that he is prepared for the task ahead.

“This is the biggest break of my soccer career. The Nigeria Premier League has made me a better player and it's the ambition of every footballer to play in Europe. I intend to maximise the opportunities available.

“God has been good to me and I believe my goals can bring the desired results for Viking,” Akpabio said to SuperSport.com.

The striker expressed gratitude to his Nigerian team, Plateau United.

Sources close to Viking’s coach, Age Hariede told SuperSport.com that the club wants to utilise the Norwegian transfer window, which opens on Monday to strengthen the squad with the Nigerian forward.

Stavanger based newspaper, Rogaland Avis, has already profiled Akpabio in one of their editions and the fans are eager to see their Nigerian star.

The Plateau United star has impressed followers of the NPL with his pace, sublime skills, brilliant first time touch, powerful shots and deadly finishing.

Plateau United boss, Bitrus Bewarang applauded Akpabio for his contributions to the team.

“Akpabio started from our youth team before graduating to the first team,” Bewarang, a former assistant coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles said to SuperSport.com.

Akpabio will join Nigerian-born Benin Republic international, Isaac Loute, who has since arrived Stavanger.

The success of compatriot, Anthony Ujah at Lillestrom has boosted the profile of Nigerian players in Norway and Hariede believes it is time for Viking to source for goalscorers in Africa.