Akpoguma reveals how he will feel if he misses Super Eagles 2023 AFCON squad
Hoffeinhem defender, Kevin Akpoguma has revealed how he will feel if he does not make the Super Eagles 2023 AFCON squad. SportsRation reports.
The German-born defender was last invited to the Super Eagles squad in June 2023, but is still hoping to get on the plane with the Super Eagles to Ivory Coast for the Nations Cup.
The 28-year-old however understands manager Jose Peseiro has other options in his position and so doesn’t hold any personal grudges .
“I don’t know[why I’ve not gotten a Super Eagles invitation recently], I think there are reasons, but I don’t think they are personal reasons,” Akpoguma told SOCCERNET.
“If the coach invites me, I will come with pleasure and honour.
” I’ll be proud if I get an invitation from Nigeria. But I think it’s something about tactics, because there are a lot of players who are playing in my position like Semi Ajayi and Kenneth Omeruo who is very experienced.
“There is also Chidozie. I think those are the reasons why the coach is saying I need to be better there.”
The 28-year old has not excelled in Nigeria’s colours and is critical about the difference between football in Europe where he represented Germany at Youth level and Africa.
“Its a big difference playing football in Europe and for the national team. You see the players we have, there is a lot of pressure from the fans and the nation. They see a bright future for all our players. Because they see the likes of Victor Osimhen and Boniface and what they are doing at their clubs.
“So, I think the coach is just trying to find the team and squad that can fit into the pressure outside of the pitch. If there’s no invitation, I will be disappointed, but everybody knows that whether I’m there or not, I will give my 100 percent because we are all Nigerians. I hope that Nigeria will go a long way,”
