The world football governing body, FIFA, recently cleared the Hoffenheim star to feature for the three-time African champions, and the defender is enjoying his time with the team in Austria
Former German youth international Kevin Akpoguma is pleased with the warm reception offered him in the Super Eagles camp. He has expressed his delight at being a part of the Nigerian side preparing to face Algeria on Friday.
The three-time continental champions take on the reigning African kings on October 9 before meeting Tunisia four days later in the same venue in preparation for Afcon-qualifying games in November.
Head coach Gernot Rohr did not name Akpoguma among his initial 25-man list for the October friendlies with his application for a switch of allegiance from Germany to Nigeria still pending with FIFA.
The football body, however, granted the 25-year-old’s change of association request, and he has since been drafted in as a replacement to one of the Eagles stars who could not make the trip to Austria.
Akpoguma has met with his new teammates, including the German-born duo of Maduka Okoye and Leon Balogun, and he already feels at home.
“My name is Kevin Akpoguma from TSG Hoffenheim. I am 25 years old, and I am very happy to be here with the Nigerian team,” the Bundesliga-based star told Super Eagles Media Officer Toyin Ibitoye.
“It’s a great experience at the moment here to be with the guys. Everyone is very happy and nice.
“We are looking forward to the two friendly games we have now in this window, Algeria and Tunisia, and then we are preparing for the qualification in November, so I am very excited to be here.”
Meanwhile, the venue of the Super Eagles friendly against North African opponents Algeria has changed.
The Jacques Lemans Arena, with a capacity of about 2,400, was previously advertised by the Nigeria Football Federation as the game’s venue.
But the match is now scheduled to take place at the Wörthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt.
This post was last modified on October 7, 2020 2:14 pm
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