It was meant to be a homecoming for the Akpans and an occasion which they had looked forward to seeing their son, Hope Akpan, pulling on the green and white shirt of Nigeria and feature in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations against South Africa's Bafana Bafana at the Akwa Ibom Stadium, also known as the Nest of Champions, in Uyo.
Unfortunately for the Reading FC midfielder, that dream of his playing in front of his kinsmen has been dashed following a shoulder injury that could leave him out for up to 14 days or more.
The 23-year-old midfielder is not the only one whose dream of playing in the land of his roots, looking dead for now. His dad, Ita Akpan, is already in Nigeria as well as Hope's mother. They had arrived with the hope to watch their son play at the new stadium in Uyo.
However, the father of the Reading FC man is not totally disappointed that his son will sit out the game against South Africa after dislocating his shoulder in Nigeria's 2-0 win at Congo on Saturday.
“I know very soon, he will be back in the team after the healing process and he will make impact in the national team with the calibre of coaches that we have in the team,” Ita Akpan said at the lobby of Le Meridien Hotel in Uyo on Monday.
The former Everton man is now expected to travel back to his base in England along with his parents. Hope Akpan is also expected to undergo a second check on his shoulder injury in England.
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