Chuba Akpom was named the MVP of the 2016 AT&T All-Star Game after scoring an 87th minute winner in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over the All-Stars at Avaya Stadium on Thursday night.
Akpom, 20, tapped home a Nacho Monreal cross from close range to break the 1-1 deadlock and give the Gunners the win. The goal was just Akpom’s fourth for Arsenal’s senior team, with his previous three strikes coming in the North London club’s preseason tour of Asia last summer.
An English youth international, Akpom has been with Arsenal since he was just six, when he joined the club’s academy. He’s spent the vast majority of his pro career out on loan to lower division sides, only making eight career appearances in competitive action with Arsenal’s first team.
Akpom spent the 2015-16 campaign on loan to English Championship club Hull City, scoring three goals and notching one assist in 35 league appearances as the club earned promotion to the Premier League. He had previous loan spells at Brentford, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest.
Akpom, who came on for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 67th minute of Thursday’s match, has represented England on the U-16, U-17, U-19, U-20 and U-21 levels, but is still eligible to represent Nigeria on the senior level.
