TSG Hoffenheim center-back, Kevin Akpoguma, has announced his decision to represent the Nigerian national team instead of Germany.
Born to a German mother and a Nigerian father, Akpoguma is eligible to play for both countries.
The 25-year-old played for the German national team in most youth levels, from U-16 all the way through the U-21.
Despite becoming an invaluable part of his side since his return from his loan spell with Hannover 96, Akpoguma never received a first-team call-up.
Therefore, he decided to take on another challenge as he will represent the Super Eagles from now on.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I am now at an age where I have already gained experience at European level with TSG and feel ready to play for my homeland,” he told Hoffenheim’s official website.
“It makes me incredibly proud and I am positively excited. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the team,” he said.
Akpoguma might get his first taste of international football when Nigeria face Algeria and Tunisia on October 9 and 13 respectively.
However, it is still unclear if he’ll receive the legal clearance by then.