Akpom emulates Ajax alums Kudus, Sébastien Haller, Luis Suarez after hat-trick in Europa League playoff

Chuba Akpom  scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League for Ajax, joining the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Luis Suarez, and Sabastien Haller in achieving the feat for the Amsterdam club in European competition, according to British sports analytics company Opta Sports.

The striker, who is eligible for the Super Eagles, scored three goals as Ajax cruised to a 4-1 first-leg win over Polish team Jagiellonia Bialystok in a Europa League playoff clash at Stadion Miejski (Białystok) on Thursday night. 

Adrien Dieguez opened the scoring for the home team just five minutes into the game, but Akpom quickly equalized for Ajax after being set up by Steven Berghuis four minutes later.

Later, Mika Godts gave Ajax the lead in the 27th minute with a goal assisted by Devyne Rensh.

Akpom bagged his second goal just one minutes past the hour mark and completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 67th minute.

Seventeen minutes before the final whistle, the ex-Arsenal forward was substituted, with Brian Brobbey coming on as his replacement.

Chuba Akpom is now the fourth player for Ajax to score 3+ goals in a European game in the 21st century. 

Opta stats show that prior to him, Mohammed Kudus and Sébastien Haller accomplished this feat in 2021, while Luis Suárez did so in 2009, making Akpom the latest addition to the list.

After showcasing his talent with Middlesbrough in the Championship, Chuba Akpom made a move to Ajax in the summer of 2023. 

The forward of Nigerian descent impressed with 34 goals in 82 games across all competitions for the English side. 

Since joining Ajax, Akpom has maintained his impressive form, scoring 15 goals and contributing 3 assists in his first season with the club.

In addition, he has netted 3 goals in 5 matches during the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League qualifiers. 

While Chuba Akpom has played for England at different youth levels, the 28-year-old striker has not made his senior debut for the national team, making him eligible to represent Nigeria.

Adeyemi Adewale

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