The Super Eagles have received a boost ahead of games against Le Fennecs of Algeria and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia
Nigeria will be able to count on the services of Kevin Akpoguma for the friendly games against Algeria and Tunisia.
Akpoguma just committed his international future to Nigeria despite being born in Germany and playing for Die Mannschaft’s youth team.
The Hoffenheim star was not initially included in the list of players to prosecute the games as he is still waiting for a clearance from FIFA.
However, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, has confirmed that the Hoffenheim star has received FIFA clearance and he is available for the two games. Pinnick confirmed the news in a series of tweets on his official Twitter page.
Coach Gernot Rohr might be a bit light in the middle. However, I'm extremely happy to announce that @FIFAcom has just granted Hoffenheim defender and former German U-20 national team skipper Kevin Ufuoma Akpoguma permission to make his switch to Nigeria with immediate effect…5/
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) October 5, 2020
Soccernet had earlier reported that Akpoguma is already in camp to get acquainted with his new teammates, but the latest development means he could make his debut on Friday.
Akpoguma’s availability is a big boost for Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr following the withdrawals of Victor Osimhen, Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi.
📸 #SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong pic.twitter.com/6DiVfd8Tzc
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 5, 2020
Meanwhile, a majority of the players invited for the game are already in camp. Nigeria face Algeria on Friday before taking on Tunisia next Tuesday.