The Super Eagles squad for AFCON will be announced in the coming weeks, but Akpoguma is optimistic about his chances
Hoffenheim defender Kevin Akpoguma admits it will be difficult to get selected for Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, but added he would be disappointed if he did not get an invitationSoccernet .ngreported.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will travel to Ivory Coast next year to take part in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in hopes of winning their fourth title.
The Super Eagles team has great quality, so many fans have high expectations for the Super Eagles. Nigeria has players from the continent and coach Jose Peceiro will have to do a lot of work to field his 23-man squad.
However, there are some players whose quality and performance guarantee their participation. However, there are other stars whose chances are in jeopardy.
One of these players is Akpoguma. The German-born defender has not been invited to join the Super Eagles squad since June this year as Peseiro opted for another central defender.
However, the 28-year-old believes Peseiro’s decision to leave him out of the Nigeria squad was mainly for tactical reasons and holds no grudges. However, he is confident that he can be part of the Nigeria national team even though there are many players vying for his spot.
“I don’t know (why I haven’t received an invite to the Super Eagles recently). I think there is a reason, but I don’t think it’s for personal reasons,” Akpoguma told Soccernet.ng.
“If I am invited to coach, I will be happy and honorable.” If I received an invitation from Nigeria, I would be proud. But I think it has something to do with tactics because there are a lot of players who play in my position, like Semi Ajayi and Kenneth Omeruo who is very experienced.
“We also have Chidoji who has experience in Africa. I think these are the reasons why the coach said I need to get better there.”
Since playing for Nigeria, Akpoguma has not had much confidence. He played for the German national team in his youth, but moving to African territory was not easy for him. Akpoguma understands this, but he insists that he will support the team whether they succeed or not.
“There’s a big difference between playing soccer in Europe and playing soccer for the national team.” You see, there’s a lot of pressure from our players, our fans, and our country. They see a bright future for all their players. Because they look at people like Victor Osimhen and Boniface and what they do at the club.
“I think the coach is just trying to find a team and a team that can handle the pressure off the field.” If I don’t get an invitation, I’ll be disappointed, but who knows if I’ll be there or not? I know too. If not, we will give our 100 percent because we are all Nigerians. I hope that Nigeria will make great progress,” Akpoguma added.
