Joshua Akpudje

Joshua Oghene-Ochuko Akpudje (born 23 July 1998) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Newroz SC.

Early career Born in Lagos, Akpudje started his football career with Femmak Football Academy straight out of high school before joining Nigerian Professional Football League side MFM ahead of the abridged season in 2019.

Club career On 3 March 2020, Akpudje completed a transfer to Latvian club BFC Daugavpils

After playing for two seasons in Latvia, Akpudje moved to Lithuanian side FK Panevėžys on loan in February 2022.

On 12 February 2024, Akpudje signed a two-year contract, with the option of a third, with Dinamo Tbilisi.

On 11 July 2024, he moved to Finland after signing with Ilves in Veikkausliiga. He left club after the season, in which Ilves finished 2nd in the league.

On 24 February 2025, Tajikistan Higher League club Istiklol announced the signing of Akpudje to a one-year contract. On 19 July 2025, Istiklol announced the departure of Akpudje by mutual consent.

On 22 July, Akpudje returned to Finland and signed with Veikkausliiga club KTP for the remainder of the 2025 season.

International career Akpudje made his international debut for Nigeria U23 side in March 2019 against Libya in an Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualification game.

Career statistics

Honours Ilves Veikkausliiga runner-up: 2024