Hoffenheim Defender Kelvin Akpoguma Commits Future To Nigeria
TSG Hoffenheim defender, Kelvin Akpoguma has committed his international future to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick revealed that the German-born defender has written the federation to indicate interest in switching allegiance.
”We have also resolved that anybody who wants to play for Nigeria must write to us to make some commitment,” Pinnick said.
“We don’t want to make the mistake we made in the past.
“Already, Kelvin Akpoguma and one other have already written to commit their future to Nigeria. They know that Nigeria is a big country to launch anybody higher than they imagine.”
The defender had revealed to Omasports in the past that he is open to representing the Super Eagles if the German national team isn’t forthcoming.
”I have it in my mind, but the thing is I was born in Germany and have played for all the youth team levels for Germany, I’m still a young player, and I just try to leave the option open to represent one of the countries. But if one Germany is calling me, and I have already represented Nigeria then that option is closed. If I have no options to play for Germany, then it would be an honour to represent Nigeria cause my dad is also from Nigeria. I just want to keep my doors open.”
Akpoguma had also revealed what his dad told him about representing Nigeria in the interview.
”He said to me, listen to your heart, I don’t want to put any pressure on you, cause it’s a huge and important decision. There are some examples like Kevin Prince Boateng, who said he was going to retire after two World Cups. If I decide to play for Nigeria, I always want play every time with love and my whole heart and play my entire career.”
Having been previously visited by Gernot Rohr, the Super Eagles coach, Akpoguma had revealed the efforts of the coach to convince him.
”Gernot Rohr visited us here in Hoffenheim, he talked a lot with me, we spoke on how Nigeria has a strong, young team and I also watched Nigeria at the World Cup, Iwobi, Ndidi. Also, Leon Balogun called me and explained a lot to me.”
Recall that Rohr had revealed to Daily Times that the Super Eagles now have two additions. While he failed to reveal their names, it now looks very clear that Akpoguma is one of them.
The NFF and Rohr had also been successful with convincing Hertha Berlin defender Jordan Togunarigha to commit his international future to Nigeria.
