Rohr issues optimum to former German U-20 skipper

Super Eagles of Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr
Rohr

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has told ex-Germany U-20 skipper, Kevin Akpoguma, to decide where his international allegiance lies.

Born to a German mother and Nigerian father, Akpoguma is eligible to play for both nations.

Though he has represented Die Mannschaft at various youth levels, including as skipper at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he could still turn up for the Super Eagles.

Rohr, himself, a German is currently on a scouting trip in Europe.

The ex-Bayern Munich star stopped by in his homeland to watch the young defender play at the weekend.

And the tactician appears to be impressed by what he saw, instructing the 22-year-old to make up his mind about his international future.

“I watched him play for Hoffenheim against Frankfurt on Saturday,” the Franco-German was quoted by SWR on Tuesday.

“Kevin is an excellent match for the players we are on the lookout for.

“But he’ll have to decide soon whether he wants to wear the colours of Nigeria and I’ll call him in the next few days.”

But it appears Akpoguma has his mind fixed on his country of birth.

When asked about Rohr’s advances, the 22-year-old remarked: “That honours me, of course.

“But I’m German, I was born here, so I should play for Germany too.”

Akpoguma has made five appearances for Hoffenheim this term.

That’s definitely not enough to force his way into Joachim Low’s plans for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.