Super Eagles CB Akpoguma helps Hoffenheim register road win on his return to action

Kevin Akpoguma received the medical green light from TSG Hoffenheim doctors to take to the pitch on Sunday as The Blues  registered a 2-1 road win over Werder Bremen in the German Bundesliga.

The central defender was forced to sit out the Super Eagles' 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, March 27 due to a head injury he suffered in the first leg. 

It seemed unthinkable that Akpoguma would return to action nine days later considering that he needed treatment on the pitch and was bandaged up after receiving a high boot from Guinea-Bissau striker Mama Balde.

Upon his return to Germany, scans revealed that he did not suffer any major damage, 

Akpoguma retained his place in the starting lineup against Werder Bremen, playing alongside Kevin Vogt and John Brooks in a three-man defence. 

If the statistics are anything to go by, Akpoguma showed determination in today's fixture with a team-high three tackles, while making one clearance and one interception.

In their fight to avoid relegation, Hoffenheim clinched their second win in a row thanks to goals from Andrej Kramarić and Christoph Baumgartner.

Akpoguma was replaced in the 75th minute and a minute later, Werder Bremen halved the deficit through Amos Pieper.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com