23 Facts About Hope Akpan

Hope Ini Ita Akpan listen was born on 14 August 1991 and is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Widnes.

Hope Akpan came through the youth ranks at Everton, making his first-team debut in 2009.

Hope Akpan later played for Hull City, Crawley Town, Reading, Blackburn Rovers, Burton Albion and Bradford City.

Hope Akpan became Bradford City's captain in March 2019, but lost the captaincy at the end of that season.

Hope Akpan left the club at the end of the following season, signing for Finnish club SJK in January 2021.

Hope Akpan went on to make no more appearances for Hull City and upon returning to his parent club, he was released by the club.

Hope 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.

Hope Akpan signed for Premier League side Reading on a three-and-a-half-year contract on 8 January 2013.

Hope Akpan stated his desire to help his new club avoid relegation.

However, after a handful of first team appearance, Hope Akpan suffered ankle injury during a match against Southampton on 6 April 2013.

The partnership continued until Hope Akpan suffered a dislocated shoulder whilst on international duty with Nigeria and sidelined for three months.

Since making his debut for Blackburn Rovers, Hope Akpan quickly established himself in the first team and has become the club's fan favourite.

However, Hope Akpan found himself on the substitute bench for the number of matches, due to competitions.

Hope Akpan was recommended to the club by former Bradford City player Stephen Warnock, who had played with him at Burton Albion.

Hope Akpan was injured for six weeks but returned to training in October 2018.

In December 2018 Hope Akpan praised fellow City midfielders David Ball, Lewis O'Brien and Jack Payne.

In March 2019 Hope Akpan replaced Paul Caddis as Bradford City's captain.

Hope Akpan returned to the first-team following an injury to Matt Palmer, and was challenged by manager Gary Bowyer to fight for a regular place.

Later that month Hope Akpan was described as being "rejuvenated" as a player.

Hope Akpan received his first call-up to the Nigerian national team in October 2014.

Hope Akpan made his debut later that month, on 15 October 2014, in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match.

Hope Akpan was charged with misconduct by the Football Association in November 2011, after homophobic comments were posted on his Twitter account.

At school, Hope Akpan was described as "a bright student", achieving seven As at GCSE.