Super Eagles during a training session
The Super Eagles of Nigeria with the mantra “let’s do it again” are hoping to win its fourth African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) crown in Ivory Coast next year npflupdates.com reports.
The Super Eagles are seeded in the same group as the host nation Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. And they must survive the group stages if they must keep the dreams of a fourth title alive.
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And Super Eagles defender, Kevin Akpoguma is already dreaming of a slot in the squad for the 2023 AFCON.
Meanwhile, the Germany Youth international has not earned a Super Eagles invitation since June this year when he played against Guinea-Bissau in Abuja, as Peseiro has opted for other center-backs in the likes of Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo and William Troost-Ekong.
However, the 28-year-old has no grudges with that as he believes that Peseiro’s decision to omit him from Nigeria’s squad is mainly because of tactical reasons and nothing personal.
Kevin Akpoguma hopeful as Peseiro gets ready to announce Super Eagles AFCON squad
But, still, he is hopeful that despite the number of players competing for his position, he has what it takes to get a place in the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON.
“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.ng.
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“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, who is experienced playing in Africa. I think those are the reasons why the coach is saying I need to be better there.”
It’s no doubt that Kevin Akpoguma has not commanded much confidence like he did during his time wit Germany since he started playing for Nigeria.
According to the Hoffenheim defender there’s a big difference playing in Europe and for the national team(in Africa). But he insists that the team will have his support whether or not he makes the cut or not.
“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.
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“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,” Akpoguma added.
