Since 2022, Akpala has been assistant coach at Kortrijk, taking over as caretaker coach for one match in September 2023, in between the dismissal of Edward Still and the appointment of Glen De Boeck, and taking the reins again following De Boeck's sacking in November 2023.

He later joined Bendel Insurance FC, Benin City in the Premier Division of the Nigerian Professional League, in February 2005.

Subsequently, Akpala was signed by the Royal Charleroi S.C. of Belgian Jupiler Pro League in January 2006.

On 22 August 2012, Bundesliga club Werder Bremen signed Akpala after facing competition from West Ham United and Celtic.

[4] In April 2021, he joined Romanian club Dinamo București, signing a contract until the end of the 2020-21 season.