Hope Akpan
Akpan in July 2019
Personal information
Full name Hope Ini Ita Akpan[1]
Date of birth (1991-08-14) 14 August 1991[2]
Place of birth Liverpool, England
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.82 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder[4]
Team information
Current team
 Widnes
Youth career
Everton
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2009–2011 Everton 0 (0)
2011 → Hull City (loan) 2 (0)
2011–2013 Crawley Town 47 (5)
2013–2015 Reading 58 (1)
2015–2017 Blackburn Rovers 60 (4)
2017–2018 Burton Albion 25 (2)
2018–2020 Bradford City 47 (5)
2021 SJK 3 (0)
2022 Atherton Laburnum Rovers
2022– Widnes
International career‡
2014–2015 Nigeria 4 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:35, 24 March 2022 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 08:49, 30 March 2015 (UTC)

Hope Ini Ita Akpan listenⓘ (born 14 August 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Widnes.

He came through the youth ranks at Everton, making his first-team debut in 2009. He later played for Hull City (on loan), Crawley Town, Reading, Blackburn Rovers, Burton Albion and Bradford City. He became Bradford City's captain in March 2019, but lost the captaincy at the end of that season. He left the club at the end of the following season, signing for Finnish club SJK in January 2021. He left the club in July 2021. In January 2022 he returned to England and played non-league football with Atherton Laburnum Rovers and Widnes.

Born in England, he represents Nigeria at international level.

Club career

Everton

Born in Liverpool, Merseyside,[4] Akpan began his career at Everton at eight years old[5] and after progressing through the ranks, he became a regular for the academy under coach Neil Dewsnip.[6] 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.[7]

Having been included in the first team as an unused substitute in the 2009–10 season,[8] Akpan made his competitive debut for Everton against BATE on 17 December 2009 in the UEFA Europa League.[9][10]

On 17 March 2011, Akpan moved on loan to Championship side Hull City for the remainder of the 2010–11 season.[11] 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.[12] He also made another appearance in the last game of the season, in a 3–0 loss against Bristol City.[13] Akpan went on to make no more appearances for Hull City and upon returning to his parent club, he was released by the club.[14]

Crawley Town

After leaving Everton, Akpan signed for newly promoted League Two club Crawley Town on a free transfer on 14 June 2011.[15][16]

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.[17] After serving a one match suspension, Akpan returned to the first team and set up a goal for Wes Thomas, in a 2–0 win over Macclesfield Town on 13 August 2011.[18] After being sidelined from the first team for a month,[19] he then scored again on 29 October 2011, in a 1–1 draw against Accrington Stanley.[20] Despite being left out of the squad for the second time this season,[21] Akpan, nevertheless, remained in the first team, forming a midfield partnership with Dannie Bulman[22] However, although the club were promoted to League One, Akpan ended the season when he was sent-off in the sixth minutes for lunging Jason Prior, who had to be substituted, in a 1–1 draw against AFC Wimbledon on 14 April 2012.[23] For this, he was suspended and never played for the remainder of the season.[24] At the end of the 2011–12 season, Akpan went on to make thirty-three appearances and scoring two times in all competitions.

Ahead of the 2012–13 season, Akpan was named by local newspaper Crawley Observer as a player to watch for the new season.[25] He started the 2012–13 season well when he set up two goals in the opening game of the season, with a 3–0 win over Scunthorpe United.[26] However, Apkan was then sent-off for a second bookable offence, in a 3–0 loss against Portsmouth on 9 September 2012.[27] He scored his first goal of the season on 25 September 2012, in a 3–2 loss against Swansea City in the third round of the League Cup[28] A week later, on 2 October 2012, Akpan scored again, in a 3–1 win over Bournemouth.[29] He scored two more goals by the end of October against Bury[30] and Hartlepool United.[31] However, Akpan was sent-off for the second time this season when he was sent-off for a straight red card, in a 1–1 draw against Oldham Athletic on 27 October 2012.[32] Following the match, Akpan was the recipient of online racist abuse.[33][34] For his sending off against Oldham Athletic, Akpan served a three-match suspension.[35] After this, Akpan then scored again on 15 December 2012, in a 2–1 win over Stevenage.[36] Akpan soon came under criticism from Manager Richie Barker for being suspended for the third time this season and was told to clean up his act if he was fulfill his target.[37] Despite this, Akpan went on to make twenty-seven appearances and scoring five times in all competitions.

Reading

Akpan warming up for Reading in 2013

Akpan signed for Premier League side Reading on a three-and-a-half-year contract on 8 January 2013.[38][39][40] He stated his desire to help his new club avoid relegation.[41]

Akpan made his Reading debut on 19 January 2013 against Newcastle United, where he came on as a second-half substitute, and set up a winning goal for Adam Le Fondre, in a 2–1 win.[42] This was followed up on 30 January 2013 when he set up two goals again for Le Fondre, in a 2–2 draw against Chelsea.[43] However, after a handful of first team appearance, Akpan suffered ankle injury during a match against Southampton on 6 April 2013.[44] Although he returned from injury, Akpan remained as an unused substitute for the rest of the season, as they were relegated from the Premier League.[45] At the end of the 2012–13 season, Akpan made nine appearances for the side.

In the 2013–14 season, Akpan found himself out of the first team at the start of the season, as he cited as "lacking fitness."[46] As a result, Akpan wanted to leave the club on loan to get first team football.[47] However, Manager Nigel Adkins warned Akpan that he would need to work hard to earn himself more playing time.[48] It wasn't until around January when Akpan regained his first team place following an injury of Danny Guthrie.[49] He scored his first goal for the club, in a 7–1 win over Bolton Wanderers on 18 January 2014.[50] Despite suffering from injury,[51] Akpan remained in the first team throughout the season and went on to make thirty-one appearances and scoring once in all competitions.[52]

In the 2014–15 season, Akpan continued to remain in the first team since the start of the season and formed a partnership with new signing Oliver Norwood.[53] The partnership continued until Akpan suffered a dislocated shoulder whilst on international duty with Nigeria and sidelined for three months.[54] After returning from injury,[55][56] He made his return from injury, coming on as a late substitute, in a 2–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 7 February 2015.[57] However, since returning from injury, Akpan's first team opportunities was limited later in the season and was demoted on the substitute bench.[58] At the end of the 2014–15 season, Akpan went on to make twenty-four appearances in all competitions.

Blackburn Rovers

On 10 August 2015, he was linked with a transfer to Blackburn Rovers.[59] The following day, Akpan had his contract terminated by Reading, and completed a two-year contract to join Rovers.[60][61]

Akpan made his Blackburn Rovers debut, coming on as a second-half substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Huddersfield Town on 15 August 2015.[62] Akpan then scored his first goal for Blackburn in a 2–2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on 28 November 2015.[63] Since making his debut for Blackburn Rovers, Akpan quickly established himself in the first team and has become the club's fan favourite.[64][65] His second goal then came on 12 January 2016, in a 1–1 draw against Queens Park Rangers.[66] After being sidelined with injury, he scored on his return on 1 March 2016, in a 3–1 win over Middlesbrough.[67] Despite being sidelined on three more occasions later in the season,[68][69][70] Akpan finished his first season, making thirty-seven appearances and scoring three times in all competitions.

In the 2016–17 season, Akpan started the season well when he scored in a 4–3 win over Crewe Alexandra in the second round of the EFL Cup.[71] However, Akpan found himself on the substitute bench for the number of matches, due to competitions.[72][73] Akpan then scored and set up another goal for the side, in a 3–2 loss against Ipswich Town on 14 January 2017.[74] However, Akpan was sent-off for pushing referee Scott Duncan after his goal was disallowed for handball, in a 2–1 loss against Sheffield Wednesday on 14 February 2017.[75] For his action, he was charged by the FA and subsequently served a four match suspension.[76][77] Following his return from suspension, Akpan mostly spent the rest of the season on the substitute bench, as the club were relegated to League One.[78] Despite further setback of suspension[79] and injury,[80] He was released by Blackburn at the end of the 2016–17 season.[81]

Burton Albion

Following his release by Blackburn, Akpan signed a one-year contract with Burton Albion on 18 July 2017.[82] Upon joining the club, he was given a number twenty-one shirt for the new season.[83]

Akpan made his Burton Albion debut, coming on as a second-half substitute for Marvin Sordell, in a 1–0 loss against Cardiff City in the opening game of the season.[84] He was offered a new contract by the club at the end of the 2017–18 season, following their relegation.[85]

Bradford City

He signed for Bradford City in July 2018.[86] He was recommended to the club by former Bradford City player Stephen Warnock, who had played with him at Burton Albion.[87] After losing in their opening home game of the season, Akpan spoke about the squad's need to play as a team.[88] Akpan was injured for six weeks but returned to training in October 2018.[89] In December 2018 Akpan praised fellow City midfielders David Ball, Lewis O'Brien and Jack Payne.[90] In February 2019 manager David Hopkin stated he wanted Akpan to re-find his best form.[91] In March 2019 Akpan replaced Paul Caddis as Bradford City's captain.[92] Later that month he said he did not want the club to be relegated, particularly as he had been relegated during his two previous seasons (with Blackburn in 2016–17 and with Burton in 2017–18).[93] The captaincy was removed at the end of the 2018–19 season.[94]

At the start of the 2019–20 season, Akpan was dropped from the regular starting squad due to competition for places.[95] He returned to the first-team following an injury to Matt Palmer, and was challenged by manager Gary Bowyer to fight for a regular place.[96] On 5 October he scored his first league goal of the season, and Bowyer said that "in the last couple of weeks you've seen his attitude and desire and the hunger in his eyes again to make an impact".[97] Later that month Akpan was described as being "rejuvenated" as a player.[98]

On 26 May 2020 it was announced that he was one of 10 players who would leave Bradford City when their contract expired on 30 June 2020.[99]

SJK

In January 2021 he signed for Finnish club SJK.[100][101] He left the club in July 2021.[102]

Return to England

In January 2022 he signed for Atherton Laburnum Rovers on non-contract terms.[103] He moved to Widnes in March 2022.[104]

International career

Born to Nigerian parents in England, in 2013 Akpan declared his intention to represent Nigeria at international level.[105][106]

Akpan received his first call-up to the Nigerian national team in October 2014.[107] He made his debut later that month, on 15 October 2014, in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match.[108]

Personal life

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.[109][110]

Growing up, Akpan supported Liverpool despite progressing in the Everton youth set-up.[111][112] At school, Akpan was described as "a bright student", achieving seven As at GCSE.[111] He also described himself as "a northern boy".[113]

While at Reading, Akpan took part in the community work, leading him nominated PFA's Player in the Community award.[114][115][116]

Career statistics

As of 1 March 2020[117]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Everton 2009–10 Premier League 0000001[lower-alpha 1]010
2010–11 Premier League 0000000000
Total 0000001010
Hull City (loan) 2010–11 Championship 2000000020
Crawley Town 2011–12 League Two 26140211[lower-alpha 2]0332
2012–13 League One 21420321[lower-alpha 2]0276
Total 475605320608
Reading 2012–13 Premier League 9000000090
2013–14 Championship 291001000301
2014–15 Championship 210102000240
Total 591103000631
Blackburn Rovers 2015–16 Championship 353200000373
2016–17 Championship 251202100292
Total 604402100665
Burton Albion 2017–18 Championship 252102000282
Bradford City 2018–19 League One 282201000312
2019–20 League Two 19320101[lower-alpha 2]1224
Total 475402011546
Career total 240171601444127422
  1. ↑ Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League.
  2. 1 2 3 Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy.

References

  1. ↑ Adesina, Jide (28 March 2016). "Eagles Ready For Pharaoh of Egypt Match – Africa Cup of Nations". 1st Afrika Times International. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  2. ↑ "Hope Akpan". Bradford City A.F.C. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  3. ↑ "Hope Akpan: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  4. 1 2 "Hope Akpan". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  5. ↑ "Reading midfielder Hope Akpan looking forward to facing former club". The Independent. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  6. ↑ "Youth Squad Named". Everton F.C. 15 December 2008. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  7. ↑ "Akpan Signs Pro Terms". Everton F.C. 13 November 2008. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  8. ↑ "Moyes Names Starting Xi". Everton F.C. 16 December 2009. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  9. ↑ "Profile". Everton F.C. Archived from the original on 1 February 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  10. ↑ "Everton 0 – 1 BATE Borisov". BBC Sport. 17 December 2009. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  11. ↑ "Everton midfielder Hope Akpan joins Hull City on loan". BBC Sport. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  12. ↑ "Queens Park Rangers 1 – 1 Hull City". BBC Sport. 25 April 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  13. ↑ "Bristol City 3 – 0 Hull City". BBC Sport. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  14. ↑ "Blues Release Trio". Everton F.C. 1 June 2011. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  15. ↑ "Crawley Town bring in midfielder Hope Akpan". BBC Sport. 14 June 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  16. ↑ "New Hope for Crawley with latest signing". Crawley Observer. 15 June 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  17. ↑ "Crawley Town 3 – 2 AFC Wimbledon". BBC Sport. 29 July 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  18. ↑ "Crawley Town FC: Barnett's delight at 2-0 win over Macclesfield Town". Crawley Observer. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  19. ↑ "Mills back on the bench for Reds". The Argus. 22 October 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  20. ↑ "Crawley Town 1 – 1 Accrington Stanley". BBC Sport. 29 October 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  21. ↑ "Davies returns as Reds make six changes". The Argus. 5 March 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  22. ↑ "Akpan aims to grab Crawley chance". Crawley Observer. 26 March 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  23. ↑ "Crawley Town 1 – 1 AFC Wimbledon". BBC Sport. 14 April 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  24. ↑ "Davis and McFadzean return from suspension". The Argus. 17 April 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  25. ↑ "Hope will be one to watch". Crawley Observer. 5 June 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  26. ↑ "Crawley Town 3 – 0 Scunthorpe United". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  27. ↑ "Crawley Town 0 – 3 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 9 September 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  28. ↑ "Crawley Town 2 – 3 Swansea City". BBC Sport. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  29. ↑ "Crawley Town 3 – 1 AFC Bournemouth". BBC Sport. 2 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  30. ↑ "Crawley Town 3 – 2 Bury". BBC Sport. 13 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  31. ↑ "Hartlepool United 0 – 1 Crawley Town". BBC Sport. 20 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  32. ↑ "Crawley Town 1 – 1 Oldham Athletic". BBC Sport. 27 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  33. ↑ "Crawley's Hope Akpan backed by PFA after racial abuse on Twitter". Metro. 31 October 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  34. ↑ "Crawley Town footballer Hope Akpan sent racist tweet". BBC Sport. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  35. ↑ "Reds sweat over loan trio". The Argus. 31 October 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  36. ↑ "Stevenage 1, Crawley Town 2: Bulman justifies selection with winner". Crawley Observer. 15 December 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  37. ↑ "Reds midfielder must clean up his act". Crawley Observer. 29 December 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  38. ↑ "Royals sign Akpan". Reading F.C. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  39. ↑ "Reading complete deal for Hope Akpan". The Independent. 8 January 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  40. ↑ "Reading sign Hope Akpan from Crawley Town". BBC Sport. 9 January 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  41. ↑ "Reading: Hope Akpan ready for relegation battle". BBC Sport. 10 January 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  42. ↑ "Newcastle United 1 – 2 Reading". BBC Sport. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  43. ↑ "Reading 2 – 2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  44. ↑ "Latest: Kebe, Akpan & Carrico". Reading F.C. 11 April 2013. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  45. ↑ "Teams: Unchanged for City". Reading F.C. 14 May 2013. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  46. ↑ "Akpan sets sights on starting spot". Get Reading. 19 September 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  47. ↑ "Frustrated Royals star Akpan eyes loan move". Get Reading. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  48. ↑ "Nigel Adkins lays down starting place challenge to Hope Akpan". Get Reading. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  49. ↑ "OPINION: Danny Guthrie should not walk back into the Reading FC side". Get Reading. 20 January 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  50. ↑ Charles Watts (19 January 2014). "Hope Akpan 'buzzing' to get off the mark for Reading FC". Get Reading. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  51. ↑ "Team news: Four changes". Reading F.C. 5 April 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  52. ↑ "Danny Guthrie to fight for his place at Reading FC". Get Reading. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  53. ↑ "Settled Hope Akpan happy to be appreciated at Reading FC". Get West London. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  54. ↑ "Akpan faces three months out". Reading F.C. 19 November 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  55. ↑ "Reading FC star Hope Akpan returns from injury in Under-21s cup win". Get Reading. 3 February 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  56. ↑ "Akpan delighted to return". Reading F.C. 5 February 2015. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  57. ↑ "Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 2 Reading". BBC Sport. 7 February 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  58. ↑ "Injury Update: Akpan & Guthrie". Reading F.C. 6 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  59. ↑ Paul Wheelock (10 August 2015). "Blackburn Rovers look to strengthen with move for Reading midfielder Hope Akpan on cards". Lancashire Telegraph. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  60. ↑ "Rovers complete Akpan signing". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 11 August 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  61. ↑ "Hope Akpan: Reading midfielder signs for Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2015.
  62. ↑ "Huddersfield Town 1 – 1 Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 15 August 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  63. ↑ "Blackburn Rovers 2–2 Sheffield Wednesday". BBC Sport. 28 November 2015. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
  64. ↑ "Blackburn Rovers boss backing midfielder Hope Akpan to get even better". The Lancashire Telegraph. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  65. ↑ "Hope Akpan: I'm pleased with my Blackburn Rovers form – but there is more to come". The Lancashire Telegraph. 7 October 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  66. ↑ "Middlesbrough 1 – 1 Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 12 January 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  67. ↑ "Blackburn Rovers 3 – 1 Middlesbrough". BBC Sport. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  68. ↑ "TEAM NEWS: Blackburn Rovers v Bolton Wanderers". The Lancashire Telegraph. 28 August 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  69. ↑ "Blackburn Rovers boss Paul Lambert hopeful that striker Danny Graham will be fit for Huddersfield Town clash". The Lancashire Telegraph. 14 April 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  70. ↑ "Paul Lambert leaving Blackburn Rovers with 'sadness' after admitting he wanted to go in different direction to the club". The Lancashire Telegraph. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  71. ↑ "FULL-TIME REPORT & VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Blackburn Rovers 4 Crewe Alexandra 3 (AET)". The Lancashire Telegraph. 23 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  72. ↑ "'Hopefully the fans will turn out like they did last year' – Blackburn Rovers midfielder excited ahead of Preston trip". The Lancashire Telegraph. 7 December 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  73. ↑ "'He showed a real maturity' – Hope Akpan praises Blackburn Rovers youngster Ryan Nyambe". The Lancashire Telegraph. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  74. ↑ "Ipswich Town 3 – 2 Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 14 January 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  75. ↑ "Sheffield Wednesday 2 – 1 Blackburn Rovers". BBC Sport. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  76. ↑ "Hope Akpan and Blackburn Rovers charged by Football Association". BBC Sport. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  77. ↑ "Hope Akpan: Blackburn Rovers midfielder has ban extended by FA". BBC Sport. 24 February 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  78. ↑ ""He has to have more of a ruthless streak" – Tony Mowbray on Blackburn Rovers loanee Lucas Joao". The Lancashire Telegraph. 24 March 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  79. ↑ "Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle may be forced to play Charlie Mulgrew at centre-back". The Lancashire Telegraph. 17 November 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  80. ↑ "Akpan to be assessed". Blackburn Rovers F.C. 29 January 2017. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  81. ↑ "Jason Lowe: Blackburn Rovers' captain one of eight released by relegated club". BBC Sport. 18 May 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
  82. ↑ "Hope Akpan: Burton Albion sign former Blackburn Rovers midfielder". BBC Sport. 18 July 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  83. ↑ "2017/18 SQUAD NUMBERS". Burton Albion F.C. 31 July 2017. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  84. ↑ "Burton Albion 0 – 1 Cardiff City". BBC Sport. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  85. ↑ "Burton Albion: Lloyd Dyer one of six players offered new contracts". BBC Sport. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 9 May 2018.
  86. ↑ "Hope Akpan: Bradford City sign former Burton midfielder". BBC Sport. 4 July 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2018.
  87. ↑ Simon Parker (5 July 2018). "Bradford City: Akpan signing gets Warnock approval". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  88. ↑ Simon Parker (13 August 2018). "Bantams urged to get tough as Akpan admits City are work in progress". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  89. ↑ Simon Parker (18 October 2018). "Bradford City: Akpan set to return to training". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  90. ↑ Simon Parker (13 December 2018). "Bradford City: Akpan hails attacking midfield trio". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  91. ↑ Simon Parker (19 February 2019). "Bradford City: Akpan urged to make mark again after sub role". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
  92. ↑ Simon Parker (11 March 2019). "Bradford City: Akpan out to lead by example in survival bid". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  93. ↑ Simon Parker (16 March 2019). "Akpan determined to avoid dreaded hat-trick with Bantams". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  94. ↑ "Vaughan ready to lead from front for Bantams". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  95. ↑ "Bradford City: Akpan faces battle to win back place in team". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  96. ↑ "'When Akpan charges forward, he's difficult to play against'". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  97. ↑ "Akpan's hunger is back, says Bantams boss". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  98. ↑ "Signs look good for happy Hope". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  99. ↑ "TEN BANTAMS TO DEPART". Bradford City A.F.C. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
  100. ↑ "Hope Akpanista uusi toivo SJK:n keskikentälle". 11 January 2021.
  101. ↑ "Former Bantams midfielder Akpan heads for Finland". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  102. ↑ Oy, I.-Mediat. "Hope Akpan siirtyy pois Seinäjoen Jalkapallokerhosta – "Ulkomaalaispelaajan pitäisi olla joukkueelle vahvistus"". Ilkka-Pohjalainen. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  103. ↑ Langley, Gary. "Latest Player Registrations". nwcfl.com. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  104. ↑ "StackPath". widnesfootballclub.co.uk. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  105. ↑ "Reading's Akpan targets Nigeria call-up". BBC Sport. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  106. ↑ Ed Dove (23 April 2013). "Reading's Hope Akpan sets sight on reclaiming Nigerian roots". Goal. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  107. ↑ Charles Watts (8 October 2014). "Reading FC star Hope Akpan proud to get first Nigeria call-up". Get Reading. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  108. ↑ "Hope helps Nigeria to vital win". Reading F.C. 16 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  109. ↑ "Crawley Town's Hope Akpan accepts FA misconduct fine". BBC Sport. 15 November 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  110. ↑ Stephen Gray (16 November 2011). "Footballer fined £1,200 for "fully homophobic" tweet". Pink News. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  111. 1 2 "Hope Akpan aiming to make impression on and off the field at Blackburn Rovers". The Lancashire Telegraph. 11 September 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  112. ↑ "Hope Akpan relishes return to Everton". Get West London. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  113. ↑ "Blackburn Rovers new boy Hope Akpan cannot wait for his first East Lancs derby". The Lancashire Telegraph. 23 October 2015. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  114. ↑ "Akpan hailed for community work". Reading F.C. 19 February 2015. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  115. ↑ "Akpan shortlisted for PFA's Player in the Community award". Reading F.C. 18 March 2015. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  116. ↑ "Akpan named Reading's #CommunityChampion". Reading F.C. 17 November 2014. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  117. ↑ Hope Akpan at Soccerbase
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