Akpoguma explains Nigeria decision: ''I want to make my father proud''

''My father is Nigerian and he emigrated to Germany. He had to go through a lot back then. He raised two children - my sister and me. He was always working, but he still managed to drive me to training and get money together to buy me boots and so much more. I think so highly of him for all this and I want to give something back to him. I want to make him proud by playing for Nigeria,'' says Akpoguma, who was born in Neustadt an der Weinstraße. 

The TSG first-team star made his debut for Nigeria in October and has been named in the West Africans' squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone, scheduled for this Friday and next Tuesday. ''Being part of this team means being part of a different culture and a different way of life. It's something you really notice. It's a great experience, and I'm very proud to play for Nigeria,'' said Akpoguma, who made a total of 64 appearances for Germany at youth level (U16 to U21), the last of which came in 2017. After Nigeria's October fixtures against Algeria (a 1-0 loss) and Tunisia (a 1-1 draw) were held in St. Veit in Austria, Akpoguma has now been able to join up with his teammates in his father's home country. The first match against Sierra Leone will take place in the huge metropolis of Benin City. Playing an international match on Nigerian soil has enormous significance for Akpoguma: ''It will be a special experience, and I'm really looking forward to it.'' The team led by German coach Gernot Rohr have their sights set on qualification for the 2022 World Cup. 

The centre-back has become a core part of the Hoffenheim defence this season; Akpoguma has been named in the starting line-up for all 12 of the competitive matches under coach Sebastian Hoeness. Earlier in the year, his strong performances were rewarded with a contract extension until 2024. ''I committed myself to stay for such a long time because I feel very happy here. It's more or less my home now. I came here as a very young player and I'm very close to my family in Karlsruhe, which is just 70 kilometres away. I want to keep developing, because I don't think I've arrived at my peak just yet,'' says Akpoguma, adding: ''We have a good team with a lot of potential. There are not many clubs above TSG. The contract extension was therefore a logical step.''