Akwa Chukwu Hemsley

Akwa Chukwu Hemsley, also known as Hemsley Akpa-Chukwu, was born in Douala, Cameroon, moving from Loenhout SK to Hoogstraten VV before joining Beerschot and then Royal Antwerp. He left Antwerp's academy for SSC Bari, where his path split into a series of loan spells rather than a settled run in the first team. Empoli took him on loan for their Under-20 side, with the deal including an option to buy that was ultimately not exercised, and he then moved on loan to Novara before returning to Bari.

At international level, Hemsley has represented Belgium's Under-19 side, appearing twice in 2023 in friendlies against France and the Netherlands, though he did not score in either match. He holds Belgian nationality and is also eligible to play for Nigeria.

He is now with Zulte Waregem, who has worn a different number at almost every stop along the way — 28 at Bari, 9 with Empoli's Primavera side, 18 at Novara, and 90 at Zulte Waregem. At 189cm, he offers a physical profile that has followed him through his career.