Eguavoen reveals why Akpoguma did not get called up for games against Ghana

Akpoguma is one of the regulars for Hoffenheim, but he has not been able to cement a shirt in the Super Eagles

Super Eagles interim boss Augustine Eguavoen has revealed that he did not call up Hoffenheim star Kevin Akpoguma for the World Cup qualifier against Ghana because he is not better than Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun.

The 26-year-old is one of the most established Super Eagles defenders in Europe. He has been decent for Hoffenheim this season, scoring two goals and supplying three assists in 20 appearances.

However, despite his performances in his club, the Fortuna Dusseldorf man has repeatedly been snubbed- Akpoguma was omitted from the Super Eagles for the Nations Cup in Cameroon.

Also, the Nigerian fullback did not make the cut for the squad that would do battle against Ghana in the crucial doubleheader.

Eguavoen believes Akpoguma is a good player, but the Hoffenheim star is not as good as the others jostling for that position.

“I’m a very reserved person, because our people, not just Nigeria alone, the entire world. People twist words. Yes, Akpoguma was out of the list that went to the Africa Cup of Nations,” Eguavoen told Elegbete TV.

“But slightly after the list was released, we still had opportunities to bring in one or two, and then Balogun was hurt- he couldn’t go because of his injury, and then we sent for Akpoguma to come. He didn’t, his club said no.

“I want people to know that if you miss a call-up, that does not mean that you can not be recalled. I think I’ve not worked with Akpoguma, but I have seen him closely. He is a very good player, no doubt, but for me, he couldn’t replace Balogun, Troost-Ekong, or Omeruo,” he added.

Nigeria face Ghana on the 25th of March before returning home four days later to play the Black Stars.