UEFA Champions League: Chelsea promotes Akpan to first team

Super Falcons-eligible midfielder Ashanti Akpan has been promoted to the Chelsea ladies first team.

The midfielder was involved in Chelsea’s final training session on Tuesday, ahead of their UEFA Women’s Champions League clash against Ajax.

Akpan is currently representing England at the U19 level and has found favour in the sight of Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.

There is the possibility that the midfielder could be included in the matchday squad for Wednesday’s encounter.

The Blues beat Ajax 3-0 in the first leg.

Akpan has been registered on Chelsea’s List B for the Champions League and is most likely to wear the number 36.

Akpan is born to a Nigerian father and a Polish mother and is eligible to play for any of the three countries at senior level.

Akpan, 18, signed a new contract with Chelsea last December.