Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma has emphasized the need for Hoffenheim to improve their defensive focus after they secured a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart in a Bundesliga clash on Sunday evening.
Stuttgart took the lead through Nick Woltemade, but Hoffenheim fought back in the second half, with Nigerian forward Gift Orban scoring the equalizer. Akpoguma, who played the full 90 minutes, praised his team’s response but admitted that conceding early goals remains a problem.
It was a deserved 1-1. In the first half, VfB were better. In the second half, we had more passion and energy,” he told Hoffenheim’s media. “We created the goal through good pressing and even had chances to win, but the draw is fair.
However, he was critical of the defensive lapse that led to Stuttgart’s goal, stressing the importance of staying focused early in games. “We fell asleep for the 1-0. We need to defend that better,” he stated.
Akpoguma has been a key figure in Hoffenheim’s defense, making 22 league appearances this season. His performances could also strengthen his case for a call-up to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
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Hoffenheim’s struggles with early goals are a recurring theme, and Kevin Akpoguma’s comments reflect a team aware of its weaknesses but still struggling to fix them. In modern football, defensive organization and discipline are crucial, particularly against teams with strong attacking quality like Stuttgart.
Gift Orban’s equalizer is a positive sign for Hoffenheim, but Akpoguma is right to focus on the team’s need for improvement at the back. Conceding early forces a team to chase games, which increases pressure and reduces their ability to control matches. If Hoffenheim want to avoid slipping into a relegation battle, they must address these lapses immediately.
For Nigeria, Akpoguma remains a key defensive option. His consistency in the Bundesliga, a league known for its attacking intensity, is an asset that the Super Eagles could benefit from. With Nigeria preparing for important World Cup qualifiers, having experienced defenders like Akpoguma could provide much-needed stability at the back.
Looking ahead, Hoffenheim need to take lessons from this match. If they can start games with more defensive discipline, they might turn these draws into victories. As for Akpoguma, his leadership at the back will be crucial for both club and country in the coming months.
Did You Know?
- Kevin Akpoguma was born in Germany but switched his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2020.
- Gift Orban, who scored Hoffenheim’s equalizer, was previously linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur before joining the Bundesliga side.
- Akpoguma has played over 100 Bundesliga matches for Hoffenheim since joining the club’s first team.
- Nigeria is currently preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, with defensive stability being a key concern for new coach Eric Chelle.
- Hoffenheim has produced top players like Roberto Firmino and Niklas Süle, who went on to star for bigger clubs in Europe.
