Why I turned down Bayern Munich offer – Former Super Eagles star

Former Super Eagles striker Jonathan Akpoborie has disclosed that he once rejected an offer from Bayern Munich during his playing days, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speaking on the Play Zone Podcast, the ex-Wolfsburg forward explained that personal responsibility and the need for stability influenced his decision, even as interest from top clubs like Bayern Munich and Stuttgart came calling.

Akpoborie explains his Bayern Munich rejection

Akpoborie revealed that he had the opportunity to move to Stuttgart and also received an offer from Bayern Munich, but chose to turn it down because of the pressure of family responsibilities.

“When I had that opportunity to go to Stuttgart, I had an offer from Bayern Munich, [but] I turned it down,” he said. “Not necessarily that my family depended on me, I have a lot of educated people in my family. But I had that responsibility that I have to take care of everybody, and in taking care of everybody, you have to be stable.”

Watch why Akpoborie rejected Bayern Munich's offer here:

“When I had the opportunity to go to Stuttgart @VfB, I had an offer from @FCBayern, but I turned it down” – Former Super Eagles striker, Jonathan Akpoborie#theplayzonepodcast pic.twitter.com/CaAQQt0bIj

— PlayZone (@theplayzonee) March 4, 2026

The former Bundesliga striker noted that his decision was not about footballing ambition alone but about ensuring financial security at a crucial stage of his career.

The Ex-Super Eagles star's career context and recent comments

Akpoborie spent much of his professional career in Germany, notably with Wolfsburg, where he became one of the prominent Nigerian forwards in the Bundesliga during the early 2000s.

His experience in German football has recently made his opinions relevant again, especially as he continues to comment on Nigerian players and their potential moves to top European clubs.

In recent reports, the former Super Eagles forward has also spoken about how Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen would adapt easily to life in Germany if he joined Bayern Munich.

“He’s doing fantastically well at Galatasaray. He developed in Germany and must have learnt a little bit of German,” the 1996 Olympic Gold medallist said on the Playzone podcast.

“The background of his development was in Germany. He knows the culture from Wolfsburg, so it will be very easy for him to fit in.”

He points to his time in the Bundesliga as evidence that the league suits physically strong and tactically disciplined forwards.

Akpoborie spent most of his career in Germany, where he made 39 appearances for Wolfsburg, scoring 20 goals, and 58 appearances for Stuttgart, among other German clubs he represented during his career.