Hoffenheim's Akpoguma Cleared By FIFA To Make Nigeria Debut Against Algeria

Published: October 06, 2020

Hoffenheim center back Kevin Akpoguma has been cleared by football's world governing body FIFA to take to the field when the Super Eagles tackle African champions Algeria in an international friendly on Friday, October 9, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Akpoguma, who faced the Flying Eagles at the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup as captain of the German squad, made a total of 62 appearances for Germany's youth teams before applying for a change of association.

Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has good news regarding the defender's change of association.

Pinnick said in a statement : "With regards to the injuries to Ndidi and Etebo, it does mean Coach Gernot Rohr might be a bit light in the middle.

"However, I'm extremely happy to announce that FIFA 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."

Akpoguma arrived at the Super Eagles hotel in Austria to familiarise with the Nigeria set-up and bond with the other players before receiving the good news from FIFA.

The 25-year-old is battling Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi for one of the starting spots in defence.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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