Hope Akpan

As of 31 December 2021

Everton

Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, Akpan began his career at Everton at eight years old and after progressing through the ranks, he became a regular for the academy under coach Neil Dewsnip. Then in 2008, Akpan was promoted to the club's reserve under coach Andy Holden and signed his first professional contract by the end of the year. Having been included in the first team as an unused substitute in the 2009–10 season, Akpan made his competitive debut for Everton against BATE on 17 December 2009 in the UEFA Europa League. On 17 March 2011, Akpan moved on loan to Championship side Hull City for the remainder of the 2010–11 season. Akpan made his Hull City debut, where he came on as a substitute for Corry Evans in the early first half substitute, and set up a goal for David Amoo, in a 1–1 draw against Queens Park Rangers on 25 April 2011. He also made another appearance in the last game of the season, in a 3–0 loss against Bristol City. Akpan went on to make no more appearances for Hull City and upon returning to his parent club, he was released by the club.

Crawley Town

After leaving Everton, Akpan signed for newly promoted League Two club Crawley Town on a free transfer on 14 June 2011. Akpan scored on his Crawley Town debut but was sent-off in the last minutes for a second bookable offence, in a 3–2 win over AFC Wimbledon in the qualification round of the League Cup. The game was notable for another reason as Akpan was the first Black Player to…

Born to Nigerian parents in England, in 2013 Akpan declared his intention to represent Nigeria at international level. Akpan received his first call-up to the Nigerian national team in October 2014. He made his debut later that month, on 15 October 2014, in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match.

Akpan was charged with misconduct by the Football Association in November 2011, after homophobic comments were posted on his Twitter account. Despite insisting that someone else had posted the comments, he admitted the charge after no one came forward to claim responsibility, and he was fined £1,200 by the FA. Growing up, Akpan supported Liverpool despite progressing in the Everton youth set-up. At school, Akpan was described as "a bright student", achieving seven As at GCSE. He also described himself as "a northern boy". While at Reading, Akpan took part in the community work, leading him nominated PFA's Player in the Community award.