Two young footballers of Nigerian descent, Tyron Akpata and Chinaza Nwosu, have been shortlisted for West Ham United’s Goal of the Month award for February 2025.
Akpata, 18, earned his nomination for a spectacular goal against Derby County in a Premier League 2 encounter, while England U17 international Nwosu was recognized for his strike against Manchester United U18s.
Akpata played a crucial role in West Ham’s seventh consecutive victory in the Premier League 2, securing a 1-0 win over Derby County on February 28. Four minutes before halftime, he unleashed a stunning first-time shot from the edge of the area, curling the ball into the top corner after being set up by Sean Moore.
The Flying Eagles prospect, who has been a key figure for West Ham this season, described the goal as the best of his career so far.
Before finding the net, he had accumulated 1,307 minutes of playing time across 19 matches in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy.
Akpata and Nwosu are competing for the Goal of the Month award alongside West Ham first-team forward Jarrod Bowen, Women’s team player Riko Ueki, and fellow academy star Sean Moore.
Since signing his first professional contract with West Ham last summer, Akpata has continued to impress and has even earned opportunities to train with the first team.
