Hoffenheim Defense Star Kevin Akpoguma Looks to Make Super Eagles Comeback
Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma, now 29, is eager to don the Nigerian jersey again after more than a year’s break. He last represented the Super Eagles on June 18, 2023, in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sierra Leone, which they won 3-2 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.
Akpoguma made a significant impact when he replaced Bright Osayi-Samuel in the 71st minute of that match, leaving a lasting impression on the coach and teammates. Since then, he has continued to impress his Bundesliga club, featuring in all eight league matches this season, starting each one.
The defender is hopeful of receiving a call-up for Nigeria’s remaining matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series against Benin Republic and Rwanda later this month.
“I’ve been out of the mix since 2023, but I’m committed to giving my 100 percent and hoping to earn a chance to contribute to the team,” Akpoguma stressed.
Akpoguma has already secured eight caps for Nigeria since his debut on October 9, 2020, in a friendly match against Algeria. He has a versatile background, born to a German mother and Nigerian father, which initially led him to represent Germany at various youth levels, including the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 teams.
A significant highlight of his time with Germany came when he captained the Under-20 team to the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand, leading to his eventual switch to Nigeria.
