Hannover 96 defender Kevin Akpoguma has refused to change his mind on his decision not to accept a call-up up from the Nigerian Federation, saying his priority is to make his senior debut for his country of birth, Germany.

Since 2014, Akpoguma has been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation and national teams coaching staff.

Former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia first invited him to a training camp in Abuja in December 2014 ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games but the central defender snubbed his invitation.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has repeatedly expressed his interest in Akpoguma and the German tactician was unable to persuade Akpoguma to play for the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup.

Speaking to German sports magazine Kicker, Akpoguma stated : ''Gernot Rohr is still interested and would be happy, but I do not want to close the door to the German national team.

"Even if Joachim Löw calls me at the age of 27 for a game or two, that would be an honor for me, because Germany is the country where I was born."

Akpoguma has collected 64 youth caps for Germany at U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 level.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : uefa.com