Super Eagles: 4 Akpe Victory secrets Nigerian footballers must learn before moving to Europe

New Super Eagles invitee Akpe Victory has revealed the secrets of his successful journey from Abuja and Lagos to Lithuania, Hungary and now Switzerland, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 20-year-old centre-back joined FC Basel in July after spells with FK Banga Gargždai and Zalaegerszegi TE, and has already established himself in the Swiss Super League, starting all seven league matches.

In an interview with Punch, Akpe explained that his rapid rise was not simply about physical ability. His experience exposed four lessons he believes young Nigerian footballers must absorb before making the jump to Europe.

Super Eagles: Akpe Victory secrets to success in Europe

1. Learn the tactical language

Akpe discovered quickly that European football demanded more than the aggression that had served him in Nigeria.

“At first, it wasn’t easy because the way they want you to play in Europe is different from how we play in Nigeria. They play with detail, tactics and caution,” he said.

The centre-back admitted he initially failed to read duels, marking assignments and the timing of his jumps. His solution was not to abandon his aggression, but to add tactical intelligence to it.

That adjustment has helped him move rapidly from Lithuania to Hungary and then Basel. He played 13 league matches for Zalaegerszeg last season before Basel signed him for a reported €3m in July.

2. Study your mistakes

Akpe turned video analysis into part of his development.

“With time, I started to watch my clips and understood what I needed to do better,” he said.

That habit has become particularly valuable because his game now involves more responsibility in possession. He does not simply judge a lost ball by its outcome. He wants to understand why the pass failed and what decision produced the error.

The approach fits the profile Basel have seen develop since his arrival. The 1.95m defender has scored once and assisted once in the Swiss Super League this season, including a goal against Young Boys on August 29.

3. Listen, adapt and accept discomfort

Akpe credits his coaches with accelerating his progress because he listened to their instructions rather than resisting correction.

“I still have good relationships with all the coaches I have worked with because I listen to them a lot,” he said.

His first European stop at Banga was hardly a smooth beginning. He initially struggled for playing time and had to cope with Lithuania’s cold before eventually earning his opportunity. That experience preceded his move to Hungary and then Basel.

The younger defender believes adaptation starts before the first kick of a competitive match.

4. Do not fear mistakes

Akpe believes the fastest way to improve is to confront mistakes rather than hide from them.

“I make mistakes and learn from them, and they help me grow,” he said. “I like to do extra on the field and, when I lose the ball, I try to learn how it happened or why I didn’t play a pass successfully.”

His conclusion is the clearest lesson of all:

“The most important thing is not being afraid to make mistakes.”

For a defender who moved abroad only about 18 months ago and has already reached Basel and the Super Eagles setup, that mindset has become as important as his 1.95m frame, athleticism and defensive aggression.