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Hoffenheim defender Kevin Akpoguma can’t wait to don the green and white colours of Nigenia after confirming his interest to play for the three-time African champions, reports Completesports.com.
Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father, Akpoguma is eligible to play for Germany and Nigeria.
The 25-year-old has played for Germany at youth levels, but is now willing to represent Nigeria at senior level.
Akpoguma was the captain of the Germany U-20 team that reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Read Also: German Super Cup: Bayern Edge Dortmund To Claim Record Title And 2019/20 Quintet
The centre-back is now awaiting FIFA’s clearance after submitting a written request to the world soccer ruling body for a switch in allegiance.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I am now at an age where I have already gained experience at European level with TSG and feel ready to play for my homeland,” Akpoguma told Hoffenheim’s official website.
“It makes me incredibly proud and I am positively excited. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the team.”
He has made two league appearances for Hoffenheim this season.
By Adeboye Amosu
19 Comments
Well, I haven’t watched him play in a while but the few times I did, he was decent. He’ll have to earn his spot. Our coach is doing well in getting these players with dual nationalities to play for us
Felix uduokhai is next alongside Kingsley ehizibue and Noah Bazee
Sadly, Bukayo saka has been invited to play for England. Let’s see how things pan out
… If Felix Udokhai, Bazee and Torunarigha commit to SE then 2021 Afcon and 2022 WC will be interesting. People going to Watford and playing in Saudi Arabia should be careful now. We just have to start talking in footballing terms only henceforth.
You switch allegiance to Nigeria after u realize that u are getting older and learned from Sidney Sam.
U are welcome!
Am happy 9ja finally get this guy, we need more rugged defender’s, winning world cup is not a child’s play
What is rugged about Akpoguma??
A good Defender,yes he is but I will take a Felix Uduokhai and Tounarigha over him anyday. He toyed with Nigeria at first and now he’s coming back cuz he sees there are no chances with Germany. SMH.
Only God knows what is wrong with some fans, Most of them here are blasting Saka for ditching Nigeria, same fans are the one castigating Akpoguma for switching to us. What exactly do you all want? Why are you guys so insatiable?
Double knief mentality.
Tunde and Chairmanfemi, thank you very much. I think it’s time our national team stop this nonsense on yielding to those players after turning down our calls at a certain stage in their career. Just like this guy here, he needs Nigeria now more than Nigeria needs him.. No hope for him in German team, the only hope is the dumping ground called super eagles… NFF should have laws that will make super eagles enviable for players… Saka gladly accepted the call up, tomorrow he will come to Nigeria like John F looking for job… nonsense !!!
The question is…..How many of our home grown Centre backs are regular starters for top 5 league clubs….??? The likes of Akpogma, Udohkai and Torunarigha are always the 1st names on the team-list for their clubs in the Bundesliga week in week out.
For as long as they remain Nigerians, are eligible to still represent Nigeria and the defenders we have are not better than these ones….we will keep going back to them even if they had declined our invitation previously.
Meanwhile Emmanuel Egbo is once again leading his team to the den of lions away to Young Boys FC in Switzerland in the Europa league qualifiers at them moment….We wish them best of luck…!
http://www.livetotal.tv/c/football/europa-league-qualifying-playoffs/01-10-2020/young-boys-vs-tirana/2/
I bet @ Drey,if this defenders you mentioned were English,they wouldn’t be available because Mr.cap all,desperate Southgate would make sure about that!haha
Congratulations to our own home boy… former Golden Eaglets striker Terem Moffi from Belgian First Division A club KV Kortrijk. The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract with FC Lorient … he invariably became the first Nigeria player singed by Lorient France…
Old news from like 3 weeks..
Please stop making Nigeria a spare tyre,let the NFF be wise to go for those that make Nigeria their first choice
Hmm….the competition is becoming interesting.
Ekong, Awaziem, Balogun, Omeruo(the 4 central Backs to the last tournament) be warned.
Ajayi plays for Epl club and He’s regular.
Akpoguma is regular
Torunarigha is also regular. Don’t forget Adarabioyo and we’ll need just 4 when the time comes.
My choice for now is…
Ekong/Balogun(One Experienced…)
Ajayi (present Form)
Akpoguma (Versatility/Form)
Udokhai (Form/the only left footer)
What about you?
I dont really see balogun playing for Nigeria in another major tournament again, age is not on his side.
Omeruah has not distinguished himself in defence thats why rohr keeps leaving him out of games and putting him on the bench.
Awaziem is more of a make shift right full back or DM
Ajayi is still coming up and has alot to learn.
My point is there is still room to improve the SEs defenae and inviting new players to the team is one way of improving the team.
Akpoguma is playing in a top league week in and out, so why wont we want him in the team.
If there are other defenders who can com in and strengthen the team in the defense, why not!
When love dies…..
Please stop making Nigeria a spare tyre,let the NFF be wise to go for those that make Nigeria their first choice
It will be great to see Akpoguma play for Nigeria. I hope he won’t struggle because he will be playing with new team members and new oppositions. Lol
Players of Nigerian descent will never stop to continue to choose their country of residence until Nigeria legislate it that any footballer that represents Nigeria at the senior level will be receiving pension till their death. Most of us that are castigating Nigerians who prefer to play for another country will do same if they are in these players position. Placing them on pension after retirement from active football is nothing to Nigeria because we have the financial strength. The money our politicians are receiving (e.g national assemblies) or the money that is being embezzled on a daily basis is enough to place our footballers on life pension. I know no family of Femi Opabunmi,Rashidi Yekini etc will pray for their children to play for Nigeria in the future if their children have the opportunity to play for another country.Most Nigerian retired footballers, after serving their father’s land,went to their early grave after suffering from penury without any intervention from the country they served at their prime. Untill Nigeria changes her orientation, things will always remain the same.