Akpom in tears after Prromotion playoff loss

Nigeria-eligible striker Chuba Akpom broke down in tears after Middlesbrough suffered a 0-1 Championship semi-final loss to Coventry on Wednesday May 17.

Akpom and his teammates began the playoff second leg as favourites following a 0-0 first leg score at the CB Arena.

Managed by Manchester United legend Micheal Carrick, it was Middlesbrough who dominated possession 68/32 but failed to convert any of the chances created.

Coventry did find the find the breakthrough in the 57th minute of the game to break hearts at the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough gave possession away to allow Viktor Gyokeres send the ball into space beyond goalkeeper Zack Steffen for Hamer who took control before firing into the top corner. The match-winner to send Coventry into the playoff final vs Luton Town.

Heartbreaking end to the season for League top-scorer Chuba Akpom whose hopes of Premier League participation may come with a transfer from the Teessiders this summer. 

Chuba Akpom finished as the Championship’s top scorer with 28 goals, and will certainly court interest from Premier League Clubs when the transfer market opens for business.

Micheal Carrick was there to console the Anglo-Nigerian forward, he will feel the pain too after sensatinally guiding Middlesbrough to winning 16 of his first 23 games in charge to finish 4th on the EFL Championship table.

In his post match reaction Carrick said “You can analyse the game all you want really, the fact is we didn’t get the result we wanted. Huge credit to Coventry, they’ve earned it so congratulations to them.

“We have got to take it on the chin. I thought the boys gave everything again tonight, I couldn’t fault them one bit.

“We tried and tried and just couldn’t quite create that golden opportunity or take that golden opportunity.

“I’m hugely proud of them for the effort and the run that we have been on. We have got to see it as a foundation and something to build from.”