Hoffenheim Star, Samassekou: ‘Akpoguma Would Make Super Eagles Stronger’

Hoffenheim midfielder, Diadie Samassekou has admitted that his club team-mate, Kevin Akpoguma would make the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, a much stronger side in African football.

German-born defender, Akpoguma is a strong centre-back who can give the likes of Eagles stars, Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun a good run for their money.

Gernot Rohr and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have been following the progress of the 25-year-old of Nigerian descent with a view to making him pledge his international allegiance to the West African nation.

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Rohr did try to land the services of Akpoguma before the Russia 2018 World Cup but his effort came to nothing as the centre-half remained committed to his dream of featuring for his country of birth, Germany.

While club-mate, Samassekou believes the 25-year-old would be a good asset for Rohr’s side, he’s attempted to dissuade the towering defender from committing to Nigeria.

“I think he would be a great help for [Nigeria],” Malian international, Samassekou told Goal, “so for me, it would be better if they didn’t have Akpo.

“[I haven’t really asked him about it] because I’m not Nigerian,” the midfielder continued, “but for the development and improvement of African football, it would be great if he goes there.”

Akpoguma hasn’t represented Germany at any level since 2017, having worked his way up from U-16 level to the U-21s, but is yet to formally be introduced to the Nigeria set-up despite opening the door to a switch in 2018.

“I don’t know what he’s thinking,” Samassekou concluded. “This is a question you should ask him, and he’ll give you the right answer.” 

Akpoguma signed for Hoffenheim from Karlsruher in 2013, but has taken his time settling in the first team.

This season, however, having previously had loan stints with Fortuna Dusseldorf and Hannover 96, he has made 16 appearances in the Bundesliga including 12 starts.

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