Midfielder Ashanti Akpan has formally concluded her 13-year association with Chelsea, making an emotional departure from the club she joined at the tender age of seven. The 20-year-old, a highly-touted homegrown prospect, has sealed a permanent transfer to Newcastle United, a move she hopes will provide the consistent first-team football necessary for her senior international career aspirations.

Akpan took to Instagram to share a heartfelt farewell, reflecting on her decade-plus journey at Cobham. “After 13 years, it’s time to say goodbye to my childhood club @chelseafcw,” she wrote, emphasizing how Chelsea had “shaped so much of who I am today.” Her message conveyed deep gratitude for the memories, experiences, and opportunities provided by the London giants. She also extended her thanks to the players, coaches, and fans who supported her growth as both a player and a person, stating that Chelsea would always hold a special place in her heart.

Throughout her impressive tenure at Chelsea, Akpan was a decorated academy product, securing multiple youth trophies, including the FA Youth Cup in 2021/22 and the FA WSL Academy Cup in 2022/23. Her consistent performances at the youth level culminated in her senior debut in March 2023 at just 18 years old, coming off the bench in a Women’s FA Cup quarter-final victory against Reading. Despite signing her first professional contract later that year, the competitive depth of Chelsea's star-studded midfield led to loan spells at Birmingham City and Southampton, where she gained crucial senior experience.

Her permanent switch to Newcastle United is a significant strategic step forward. Joining the club in WSL 2 (The Championship), Akpan aims to secure a consistent starting role under manager Tanya Oxtoby, a crucial factor as Newcastle eyes promotion to the Women's Super League (WSL). This platform is seen as vital for her development and for solidifying her claim for a senior international spot.

Akpan’s international future remains a key point of interest, particularly for Nigerian football fans. Born in Warsaw to a Nigerian father and a Polish mother, she is eligible to represent England, Poland, or Nigeria. While she has captained England’s U19 side and represented the Young Lionesses up to the U23 level, she has yet to be capped at the senior level for England.

This leaves the door wide open for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to intensify their pursuit of the dynamic central midfielder for the Super Falcons. Akpan herself famously embraced her Nigerian roots in 2023, declaring, “I’m a Falcon,” following her professional contract signing. Her move to Newcastle offers an ideal environment for her to make a decisive choice on her international allegiance, potentially following in the footsteps of other dual-national stars who have chosen to represent the record African champions.