Chuba Akpom’s second most prolific striker behind Haaland in England

Chuba Akpom is second to only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (28) when it comes to league goals in English football’s top four divisions this season, outscoring Andy Cook (23, Bradford City), Jonson Clarke-Harris (22, Peterborough United) and Harry Kane (22, Tottenham).

The Nigerian’s goal in the 2-1 loss to Burnley at the weekend was his 26th in the Championship this season on just his 33rd appearance for Middlesbrough.

The the 27-year-old former Arsenal player is racing away with the division’s golden boot this season. He has scored eight goals more than second placed
Coventry City’s centre-forward Viktor Gyökeres with the duo of Carlton Morris (Luton Town) and Nathan Tella (Burnley) with 17 goals in third place.

Haaland’s tally in the Premier League stands at 28, yet he’s struck 42 in all competitions so far this season for City.

Akpom is closing in on 30 goals for the season and if he hits that mark, he will join Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ivan Toney and Glenn Murray on a list of players to pass the 30-goal mark in the Championship’s modern era.

Meanwhile, Akpom is also the most prolific Nigerian player in Europe with his 26 goals, five more than second placed Victor Osimhen.

As many as 14 of Akpom’s goal came in 2023 to also make him the moss lethal Nigerian striker in Europe thus far.

Gent’s Gift Orban’s nine goals in eight Belgian Jupiler Pro League games in 2023 places him as third Nigerian top scorer in 2023.