What Kevin Akpoguma had to say after Gift Orban's goal salvaged a point for Hoffenheim

Super Eagles central defender Kevin Akpoguma has emphasized the need for Hoffenheim to avoid conceding early goals after they fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart on Sunday evening. 

Akpoguma, who played the full 90 minutes, acknowledged the team's slow start but expressed satisfaction with their response and the overall result.  

Stuttgart took the lead through Nick Woltemade, but Hoffenheim salvaged a point thanks to a well-taken goal from Nigerian forward Gift Orban.  

Reflecting on the match, Akpoguma praised Hoffenheim's second-half performance, particularly their pressing and intensity.  

"It was a deserved 1-1. In the first half, VfB were better. In the second half, we had more passion and more energy," Akpoguma told the club's media.  

"We managed to create the goal through good pressing. We even had the chance to win, but the draw is fair."

However, the Nigerian international was critical of the team's defensive lapse that led to Stuttgart’s opener, stressing the importance of staying focused early in games.  

"We fell asleep for the 1-0. We have to defend that better. Stuttgart have enormous quality up front. We had a clear plan and implemented it well.

"In the second half, we let the ball do the running and did even better. We showed character again and came back from behind.

"Every point is important, so I am satisfied. Now we really have to make sure that we stop falling behind early on. Otherwise, we will always be playing catch-up," he added.  

Akpoguma has been a consistent presence in Hoffenheim's defense, making 22 league appearances this season as the team battles to steer clear of relegation trouble.  

His performances could also boost his chances of earning a call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

Adeyemi Adewale

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