Kevin Akpoguma Eager To Return To Super Eagles After 15-Month Absence

Hoffenheim defender, Kevin Akpoguma is eager to make his return to the Super Eagles after a 15-month absence from the national team.

Kevin Akpoguma who is currently 29-year-old last represented Nigeria on June 18, 2023, during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sierra Leone, which Nigeria won 3-2 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.

During the game, Akpoguma made a notable impact by coming on as a substitute for Bright Osayi-Samuel in the 71st minute.

This season, Akpoguma has been in impressive form for his Bundesliga club, having featured in all eight league matches and starting each one as they prepared for their upcoming home game against St. Pauli.

He is optimistic about receiving a call-up for Nigeria’s remaining two matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series against Benin Republic and Rwanda later this month.

“I haven’t been called up for Super Eagles matches since 2023, but I am available for coach Eguavoen,” Kevin Akpoguma said. “I’m committed to giving my best and hope to earn a chance to contribute to the team.”

Akpoguma has already earned eight caps for Nigeria since his debut on October 9, 2020, in a friendly match against Algeria.

With a diverse background, being born to a German mother and a Nigerian father, Akpoguma initially represented Germany at various youth levels, including the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 teams.

Note that the Nigeria international captained the Under-20 team to the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand before deciding to switch allegiance to Nigeria.