As the Chinese Super League (CSL) enters its final stretch, Akpembe is struggling to break his goalless streak in the competition. The Nigerian striker has been in fine form this season, scoring six goals in just eight appearances for his club, Shandong Luneng.
However, the CSL's foreign players have also been struggling to find their feet in the league so far. With only two外援 (foreign player) options available for each team, many teams have struggled to get going and have found themselves on the wrong end of some tight results.
Despite this, Akpembe remains optimistic about his chances of breaking his goalless streak. "I'm not worried about my goalless streak," he said. "It's just one game out of many. I'll keep working hard and hopefully I can score soon."
Meanwhile, the lack of foreign players has also impacted the overall quality of play in the CSL. Many games have seen teams struggle to create clear-cut opportunities, with defenders often taking the ball away from attackers before they can even get into position.
But despite these challenges, there are still plenty of exciting moments to look forward to in the CSL. From the high-flying Shanghai SIPG to the resilient Guangzhou Evergrande, there are always plenty of surprises to be had.
Overall, while the lack of foreign players may be frustrating for some teams, it also presents an opportunity for those who have to rely solely on local talent to step up and deliver. And if Akpembe can help lead the charge, then there's no doubt that the Nigerian striker will be a key figure in the CSL for years to come.