The Hoffenheim defender, who has a Nigerian father, is
part of a talented side that is one of the favourites to win
the U20 World Cup in New Zealand.
Tall, strong and imposing, Kevin Akpoguma has been
favourably compared with his idol, Bayern Munich’s
Jerome Boateng.
Apart from both being defenders, their fathers hailed
from Africa, migrated to Germany and were born to
German mothers – Boateng’s father went from Ghana
while Akpoguma’s left from Nigeria.
While Boateng has won the biggest diadem in football,
the Fifa World Cup last year in Brazil, Akpoguma’s path
is just being laid and it could be as illustrious as the
older player. They have both won gold Fritz Walter-
Medals for their impact in German youth football.
20-year-old Hoffenheim defender Akpoguma has already
started building a good foundation for himself in the
German game where he has played in all their youth
teams – U16, U17, U18 and U19.
Last year, he won the European U19 Championship in
Hungary where they defeated Portugal 1-0 in the final.
As captain, next week he begins the journey to deliver
the Fifa U20 World Cup thereby adding it to Germany’s
senior title. He would hope to lead the Europeans to their
first title since 1981 when they won as West Germany
against Qatar in Australia.
“His 1.92 metres (6'4in) are perfect for a centre back. He
has speed, good technique and is a dynamic player. In
2013 he got the Fritz-Walter medal in gold from the DFB,
which honours every year the best German players of
U17, U18 and U19. He has said that the coaches want
him to become more stable, to play a whole game
without errors,” said Goal Germany’s Christoph Kockeis.
Akpoguma is the modern day defender – big, nimble
footed and intimidating. He used to be a forward before
he was converted by a former youth team coach.
Even though he has not really made his mark in the
Hoffenheim senior team, Akpoguma hopes that New
Zealand would be a good tournament where he can show
himself to the world. Early in May he committed to a two
year loan deal at Fortuna Dusseldorf in the 2 Bundesliga.
“After the season we have put together a timetable and
plan for the future, because next year I want to make the
step into professional football. That's why I'm always
glad to be at the U20. Here we can show ourselves
internationally,” he told the official DFB site.
He is a veritable asset that could have played for Nigeria,
and still could if he fails to make it into the German
senior team.
In a 2014 interview with Goal, Akpoguma talked about
playing for Super Eagles not being an option if he makes
it into the German seniors.
“I have been to Nigeria twice,” Akpoguma told Goal.
“When I was very young, about four years on holiday.
Life is just much different than here.”
The defender said that the the Nigerian Football
Federation had not yet approached him, however, his
first allegiance is to Germany.
“And since I was born and grew up here in Germany, I
see myself as a German, I would prefer to play for the
German senior team, if that is possible,” he said
“Until then, it's probably still a few years away - but as
long as I see that the opportunity is there somewhere,
Nigeria is not in anyway an option for me.”
Still, Akpoguma could have an early reunion with Nigeria
depending on the way things go in New Zealand.
With Nigeria’s Flying Eagles drawn in Group E alongside
Brazil, Hungary and Korea DPR, the second placed side
would most likely meet Germany who are drawn in a
relatively easy Group F which includes Fiji, Uzbekistan
and Honduras.

g

He's my cousin. His mum and dad are from kwara state. Quote me and receive your blessing

Omo na wa o

An Urhobo man

I know he would like Ogogoro very well

Lol.. He will regret rejecting Nigeria sooner.

Another Gabriel agbolaho, Dennis Aogo and Sam Sidney in making!

Op where the guy dey make I shake him hand.
I no say him palm go soft wel wel

.

watch as iheanacho go use am shine