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'Akpagoal' asked to lead Club Brugge line

Nigerian striker Joseph Akpala has joined UEFA Cup contenders Club Brugge KV from Belgian rivals R Charleroi SC for a fee believed to be around €3m.

Joseph Akpala scored 18 league goals for Charleroi last season
Joseph Akpala scored 18 league goals for Charleroi last season ©Getty Images

'Huge challenge'
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club, where he will be reunited with his former coach at Charleroi, Jacky Mathijssen. Akpala joined Charleroi from Benin City-based Bendel Insurance FC in February 2006 and was the Belgian First Division's top scorer last season with 18 goals. "Playing European football has always been a dream to me," said 'Akpagoal'. "I was top scorer last season, but that will mean nothing if I do not succeed at Club Brugge. A huge challenge lies in front of me." Akpala will take the place of Belgian international striker François Sterchele, who was killed in a car crash in May. Club Brugge start their UEFA Cup campaign in the first round after finishing third in the league in 2007/08.