Super Eagles: Frosinone land Kevin Akpoguma: 2 key strengths he will bring

Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma has completed a move to newly promoted Serie A side Frosinone ahead of the 2026-27 season, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 31-year-old joined the Italian club as a free agent after leaving Bundesliga side Hoffenheim at the end of his contract last season, bringing an end to a remarkable 13-year spell with the German club where he established himself as one of their longest-serving players.

Akpoguma made 175 Bundesliga appearances for Hoffenheim and has spent his entire professional club career in Germany. During that period, he also had loan spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96.

However, the experienced defender is now set for his first spell outside Germany after signing a two-year contract with Frosinone, according to Tribal Football.

The move represents a fresh chapter in Akpoguma’s career, while Frosinone will be hoping the Super Eagles defender can play an important role as they prepare for life back in Serie A.

Kevin Akpoguma: What Super Eagles defender brings to Frosinone

Frosinone have completed a move for Akpoguma and there are several qualities the Super Eagles defender brings to the club.

At 31, Akpoguma arrives with a wealth of top-flight experience that could prove invaluable for Frosinone.

The Canarini earned promotion back to Serie A and their immediate objective will be to avoid relegation and establish themselves in the top flight and signing an experienced defender like Akpoguma is a step in that direction.

Having played well over 170 Bundesliga matches, he understands the demands of competing at the highest level. Although Serie A presents a different challenge, his years of experience in one of Europe’s top leagues should help him settle quickly.

Beyond his performances on the pitch, Akpoguma is also expected to provide leadership in the dressing room. His experience and composure could be important for a squad looking to adapt to life in the Italian top flight.

Another major quality Akpoguma brings is his versatility. Although he is naturally a centre-back, the Super Eagles defender is also capable of playing at full-back – a role he filled on several occasions during his time in Germany.

His ability to operate in different defensive positions gives Frosinone greater flexibility. Whether the team needs to switch formations during a game or cope with injuries, Akpoguma has the qualities to fill multiple roles without disrupting the team’s balance.

That versatility makes him an even more valuable addition, especially considering Frosinone secured his services on a free transfer.

For Akpoguma personally, the move also presents an opportunity to revive his international career.

The defender has made just eight appearances for the Super Eagles, with his last outing coming in 2023. A strong run of performances in Serie A could strengthen his chances of earning a recall under Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this year.

Akpoguma could make his competitive debut for Frosinone when they face Juve Stabia in the Coppa Italia Round of 64 on August 16.