Transfer Update: Nigerian Midfielder Extends Chelsea Contract

Transfer Update: Nigerian Midfielder Extends Chelsea Contract

Sampson Adedeji

Polish-born Nigerian midfielder Ashanti Akpan has signed a contract extension with English Women's Super League giants Chelsea, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Blues confirmed the news on their official website, revealing that the club has exercised the option to extend Akpan's contract by one year, keeping her at Stamford Bridge until 2026.

Born in Warsaw to a Nigerian father and Polish mother, the 19-year-old can represent Nigeria, Poland, or England internationally.

She has played for England at various youth levels, including the Under-15, Under-16, Under-17, and Under-18 teams, and previously captained the Under-19 squad.

“Chelsea is delighted to announce that an option to extend Ashanti Akpan’s contract by a further year until 2026 has been exercised,” the club stated.

Akpan, who joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of seven, signed her first professional contract during the 2023/24 season and made her senior debut in March 2023 in a 3-1 Women’s FA Cup quarter-final victory over Reading.

Last season, she gained further experience while on loan at Birmingham City in the Women's Championship, making 15 appearances as the club narrowly missed out on promotion to the Women's Super League.