Teenage Nigeria-eligible English sensation signs professional contract with 2023 Europa Conference League winners

Teenage English midfielder, Tyron Akpata, has signed his first professional contract with the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League winners, West Ham United, Soccernet.ng reports.

Born on the 12th of August, 2006 in Dagenham, London, the 17-year-old joined the Hammers in 2022 on a scholarship deal and impressed during his time with the team’s U-16 and U-18 sides, helping them to victory in the U-18 Premier League South and the FA Youth Cup, scoring his first goal for the side in a 6-0 win over Norwich last year.

Akpata wore the captain’s armband during last season’s FA Youth Cup campaign and scored three goals in 26 games for West Ham’s youth team.

The central midfielder’s excellence has been rewarded with a professional contract at the club, as they announced officially on their social media page.

“It’s a great feeling to sign this contract, and I’m so chuffed to start a new chapter at West Ham United as a professional footballer. I’ve been here for a few years now, which does make it extra special. I’ve worked under some different coaches, who have all helped me massively with my development, and I hope I can continue growing in the future. I’m excited about the new season. I’m just going to get my head down, try and play as many games as I can for the U21s, and do my best to make the biggest impact possible. My parents have done countless things for me since I was young, so signing a pro deal is a really proud moment for all of us. All I can do is keep working hard to try and repay them,” the Nigeria-eligible midfielder said in quotes revealed by the club’s official website.

Akpata’s new contract represents the latest example of continued investment from the club in the next generation of talent, as they look to make him the next Declan Rice, and the club’s Academy manager was glad both parties could come to an agreement over the midfielder’s future at the club.

“Tyron had a really good scholarship, and we’re all looking forward to seeing how he progresses and develops at Rush Green with the U21s. As well as his on-field attributes, I think the way he goes about his business is one of the things that stands out about him. He’s very well-liked by his peers and the staff, and he’s the sort of character you want around. He’s a local boy with huge potential, so it’s great he’s staying here at West Ham United. We’re really confident about how he’ll handle the increased demands as a professional, so it’s exciting times ahead,” Kenny Brown added.

The left-footed midfielder was born in London, England, but has Nigerian roots and is eligible to represent either nations, although he’s yet to make a choice.