Shooting Stars winger Joshua Akpan is poised to play a significant role for the Oluyole Warriors under new manager Gbenga Ogunbote this season. He has started the campaign in excellent form as the team’s established No. 10. Ogunbote’s side kicked off their 2023 Nigerian Professional Football League season with a thrilling 3-3 away draw against Plateau United on match day one, a game that marked Joshua’s debut for the club. Given a starting position, the former Dosu Joseph Football Club forward quickly demonstrated his potential by scoring the opener just six minutes into the match.
In a second-striker role alongside center-forward Anthony Okachi, Joshua showcased his talent with a series of impressive touches and interplay that earned him enthusiastic applause from the away fans. He skillfully maneuvered past two defenders before unleashing a curling shot from the edge of the box, giving Shooting Stars an early lead. As an attacking midfielder who can also play as a striker, Joshua is regarded as a blend of former Nigerian legend Austin Okocha and Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard due to his skill set and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Ogunbote praised Joshua’s consistency since joining the team, expressing optimism for his development. “We still expect more from him because we believe he has a lot to learn and offer as he masters the game,” Ogunbote noted. He added, “He is very fast and dribbles well, but we still need him to be more clinical going forward.”
However, Joshua’s journey to the top has not been easy. He faced significant challenges, including a difficult upbringing and being overlooked by Remo Stars last season due to his stature. Speaking with Sports Extra, the former Abia Comet player shared that he almost considered pursuing a different profession before legendary goalkeeper Dosu Joseph offered him a chance at his club four years ago. “My journey into football was tough because I almost quit the game due to several issues,” Joshua recounted. “My parents wanted me to focus on school, but I was determined to follow my passion for football. After facing numerous rejections from clubs, I finally found a place to properly start my career.”
After failing to meet expectations during a trial at Remo Stars before last season, Joshua was loaned to Abia Comet to gain first-team experience. This opportunity proved beneficial, as he returned a more developed player. In November 2022, he joined Shooting Stars on a one-week trial, impressing Ogunbote by finishing as the top scorer at the Optima Energy Gold Cup pre-season tournament, where he netted five goals for 3SC. His contributions were pivotal in helping the Oluyole Warriors win the inaugural NPFL/Mmobuosi pre-season tournament, defeating Enyimba at the Mobalaji Johnson Stadium. Ogunbote was compelled to secure Joshua’s transfer before the season began.
Reflecting on his past, Joshua acknowledged the rejection he faced due to his stature, stating, “It was one of the low moments in my career. It wasn’t that I couldn’t play, but the coach preferred another player, which I can’t fault. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as my time at Abia Comets toughened me up and gave me the confidence I have now.” Regarding his ambitions for the season, Joshua expressed his desire to help Shooting Stars surpass their achievements from the previous year and emphasized the importance of scoring goals. “I love Eden Hazard; he is my idol. I also admire Jay Jay Okocha. My dream is to become better than they were, God willing.”
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