What Kevin Akpoguma had to say after Gift Orban's goal salvaged a point for Hoffenheim
Published: February 24, 2025
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
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
- 'People were shouting Osimhen' - Rohr on playing in Abidjan, what he expects from Zimbabwe in Uyo
- 'We read somewhere' - Troost-Ekong fires warning to Zimbabwe ahead of Uyo showdown
- 2026 World Cup qualifier: Three key areas Super Eagles must fix before facing Zimbabwe
- 'You can't do that against Nigeria' - Bafana Bafana coach explains why Mofokeng started v Lesotho
- 'Nigeria will help us' - Hugo Broos relying on Super Eagles to aid Bafana Bafana's qualification push
- Troost-Ekong highlights two Rwanda players who impressed him during Super Eagles win v Wasps
- Amrouche admits Osimhen's early goal forced Rwanda to abandon their plan in loss to Nigeria
- 'We gave them a present' - Rwanda coach slams Wasps players after defeat to Super Eagles
- Osimhen brushes off Manchester United and Chelsea transfer question from Rwandan journalist
- 'Played right back' - Troost-Ekong namechecks one Super Eagles player used out of position v Rwanda


- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- New88
- hi88
- RR88
- hi88