'We Tried Our Best To Draw' - Hoffenheim's Akpoguma Reacts After Debut For Nigeria

Hoffenheim center back Kevin Akpoguma made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in a 1-0 loss to Algeria in an international friendly on Friday evening, six years after he was first approached by the Nigeria Football Federation to switch his international allegiance from Germany to Nigeria.

Akpoguma came on in the 67th minute as a replacement for the impressive Tyronne Ebuehi, wearing the number 25 on the back of his jersey.

In an interview with Oma Sports shortly after the game at the Wörthersee Stadium, Klagenfurt, Akpoguma provided an insight into his maiden appearance for the three-time African champions. 

"I'm very impressed, very proud of it to be now part of the Nigeria team, looking forward to the next games," said Akpoguma.

"Of course we lost today but we played against the African champions, one of the best teams in Africa and we tried our best to draw, the last two minutes we had good pressure.

"Like I said it's just a test game and I think the coach saw the things we can improve, and now we are looking forward to the next test game.

"The most important thing is to get qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations."

A former Germany U20 skipper, Akpoguma made a total of 62 appearances for Germany's youth teams before applying for a change of association.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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