Switzerland topflight club FC Basel have announced the signing of Nigerian defender Victory Akpe on a four-year deal.
Basel announced the signing of Akpe on their X handle on Tuesday.
The club, in a statement, wrote:”FC Basel 1893 signs the Nigerian center-back Akpe Victory. The 19-year-old transfers from the Hungarian first-division club Zalaegerszegi TE FC to the Rheinknie and signs a contract with FCB until the summer of 2030.
“FCB warmly welcomes you to Basel, Akpe, and wishes you a good arrival here as well as a successful start.”
Speaking after completing the transfer, Akpe said:”I’m very happy to have signed with FC Basel. Now I want to settle in quickly and fully focus on the upcoming season.
“I will give everything for this great club and want to win as much as possible, preferably trophies. I’m the type of player who treats every match like a final – that’s how I prepare and fight for every ball.”
FC Basel Technical Director Andreas Herrmann praised Akpe for his physical and tactical qualities which is needed to strengthen the club’s defence.
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“Akpe is a physically imposing and combative centre-back. With his robustness, heading ability and pace, he expands our defensive options. He defends bravely and proactively, his profile allows us to operate from a higher line, and he has great potential for development.”
Akpe moved to Europe in early 2025 when he signed for Lithuanian club FK Banga Gargždai, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter.
At FK Banga Gargždai, Akpe made 32 competitive appearances and also gained valuable experience in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds.
His performances earned him a move to Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi TE FC at the start of the year, where he continued his impressive development.
After settling into the squad, he became a key figure in central defence, featuring in 16 of the club’s 19 league matches.
Also, he featured in the full 120 minutes in the Hungarian Cup final, with Zalaegerszegi narrowly missing out on the trophy after conceding in extra time.
Basel are the second most successful club in Switzerland with 21 league titles, behind Grasshoppers (27 titles).
By James Agberebi
