TSG Hoffenheim of Germany defender, Kevin Akpoguma has admitted that he admires the trio of Super Eagles stars, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Onyinyen Ndidi and Leon Aderemi Balogun, who could inspire him to switch national team allegiance to star for the Super Eagles.
Although Akpoguma stressed that he feels more German than Nigerian, since he was born in the European country, footballlive.ng can report that he acknowledged it would be good to play alongside such talented lads as Iwobi, Ndidi and Balogun.
However, ‘The Village Team’ stopper is not committing himself just yet to a future with Nigeria at senior level, as he admits he is sticking out for an invitation from Germany.
Akpoguma said he would only switch from Germany for Nigeria if he is not invited by Die Maanschaft coach, Joachim Low early enough.
The 23-year-old, who captained Germany at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, has played for Germany at all youth levels, but is yet to feature for the senior national team in the country of his birth.
Interestingly, Akpoguma acknowledged he was impressed by a visit by Eagles coach, Genort Rohr to see him in Germany, but stressed he is not yet ready to commit himself, hence his decision to avoid the opportunity offered him by the Franco-German gaffer to represent Nigeria.
Akpoguma said: ”The thing is that I was born in Germany and I have played for all the youth teams of Germany and I am still a young player.
”I want to leave it open because Germany can still call me but, if I have no other option, then I can consider playing for Nigeria because my dad is from Nigeria.
”Gernot Rohr visited (me) in Hoffenheim and talked a lot about the young team he is building.
“I saw it at the World Cup; there are very good players like Iwobi, Ndidi and Leon Balogun.
”He explained all the things because I had a good conversation with him (but) I want to leave every door open. When the time comes, I will let the world know my decision.”
