Victory Akpe: Biography, age, salary, market value and Super Eagles call-up

Victory Akpe’s rise has been so fast that his first Super Eagles call-up has arrived only months after he stepped into Hungarian football, Afrik-Foot reports.

Eric Chelle has now opened the door for the 20-year-old defender, naming him in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the October 6 friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod. Akpe is one of several players receiving their first senior invitation, with Finland-based goalkeeper Samuel James also handed a maiden call-up.

The timing of the invitation is striking because Akpe is already playing regular senior football for FC Basel in Switzerland.

He joined the 21-time Swiss champions from Hungarian club Zalaegerszegi TE in July 2026 for a reported €3 million and signed a contract running until June 2030. Basel gave him the No. 55 shirt.

So, who exactly is the young Nigerian centre-back Chelle wants to examine?

Who is Victory Akpe?

Akpe’s full name is Victory Akpe Maduabuchukwu. He was born in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 19, 2006, and stands 1.95 metres tall. His primary position is centre-back, although, he can also get the job done as defensive midfielder.

His youth development began at Hyraj Football Academy before he moved to Europe and started building his senior career in Lithuania.

How old is Victory Akpe?

Victory Akpe is 20 years old.

He turned 20 on July 19, less than three months before Chelle’s Russia squad was announced.

His age becomes more interesting when placed beside his football journey. He has already played senior football in Lithuania, Hungary and Switzerland, moving from Banga Gargždai to Zalaegerszegi before Basel secured his signature.

Victory Akpe: From Hyraj to Basel

Akpe’s European journey began with FK Banga Gargždai in Lithuania.

He spent the 2025 season with Banga and made 32 appearances across competitions, contributing three assists. His performances helped him secure a move to Hungary in January 2026.

Zalaegerszegi reportedly paid an initial €100,000 for him, but the financial picture changed dramatically within months.

Banga had negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on clause, meaning Basel’s later €3m transfer produced an additional payment for the Lithuanian club. Baltic Football News calculated Banga’s total return at about €550,000.

The move to Zalaegerszegi proved to be another major step. Akpe made 13 Hungarian league appearances, starting nine and playing 876 minutes, while scoring once and providing one assist.

He also helped Zalaegerszegi reach the 2026 Hungarian Cup final.

The final was played at Budapest’s Puskás Arena on May 9, with Akpe starting at centre-back as Zalaegerszegi lost 1-0 to Ferencváros after extra time.

That defeat did not stop his rise. Within two months, Basel had paid around €3m to take him to Switzerland.

Why did Basel pay €3m for Victory Akpe?

The answer can be seen in both his physical profile and the speed of his development.

Akpe is 1.95m tall, giving him an obvious presence in the centre of defence, while his progression through three European countries in a short period showed that he could adapt quickly to new environments.

Basel made the move permanent in July and tied him down until June 2030. He did not spend months waiting for his opportunity.

Akpe quickly became part of Basel’s starting defence, and his performances attracted praise from coach Stephan Lichtsteiner. After the 3-3 draw against Young Boys, Lichtsteiner described the young defender as fast, physical, strong in duels and comfortable with the ball.

Prospective Super Eagles defender, Akpe Victory scored his first goal for FC Basel in a 3-3 draw against Young boys.

The technique he used in hitting the ball, the running into space. It is insane! pic.twitter.com/KxscDYy1et

— Naija Ballers (@9ja_Ballers) August 29, 2026

Victory Akpe’s Basel breakthrough

His first months in Switzerland have provided some spectacular moments.

Against Young Boys on August 29, Akpe played the full match, scored Basel’s third goal in the 71st minute and supplied the assist for Kazeem Olaigbe’s goal. Basel fought back from 3-2 down to earn a 3-3 draw in Bern.

The goal was not a routine defensive contribution. Akpe collected the ball and produced a composed finish that brought Basel level, completing a remarkable afternoon for a young defender still finding his feet in Swiss football.

He also started Basel’s league matches against Servette, Lausanne-Sport, Thun, Zürich, Young Boys, Sion and Lugano in the early part of the campaign.

What position does Victory Akpe play?

Akpe is a centre-back and that is where Basel have primarily used him.

His 1.95m frame naturally suits the position, particularly when defending crosses, set pieces and aerial balls.

Akpe Victory (20) 🇳🇬, İsviçre Ligi'nde 5. Haftanın en iyi oyuncusu seçildi.

3-3 beraberlikle sonuçlanan BSC Young Boys – FC Basel maçında 8.5 reyting aldı.

🇳🇬 Akpe Victory 🆚 Young Boys

⚽ 1 Gol
🅰️ 1 Asist
🛡️ 14 Savunma katkısı
🎯 50/60 pas (%83)
↗️ Rakip yarı sahada 21/25… https://t.co/XKmSybNvHV pic.twitter.com/JMrnbn3BsR

— xGalAnalysis🇮🇹🇩🇰🇸🇪🇫🇮 (@GalaScout1ng) September 2, 2026

Victory Akpe’s biggest strength: physical presence

At 1.95m, Akpe immediately gives Nigeria another tall option at centre-back.

His height can be particularly useful against teams that attack with crosses or rely heavily on set pieces.

His speed is another interesting part of his profile. Lichtsteiner specifically praised the defender’s pace and physical qualities after the Young Boys match.

That combination could allow him to defend higher up the pitch without relying entirely on his height to recover from difficult situations.

What does Akpe still need to improve?

His biggest question is experience. Akpe has made rapid progress, but he has not yet played senior international football and has limited exposure to the highest levels of European competition.

The step from Swiss domestic football to international football will bring faster attacks, different tactical systems and more experienced forwards.

Chelle will also need to assess how Akpe reacts when opponents isolate him, attack the space behind him or force him to make decisions under heavy pressure.

My name is Akpe Victory pic.twitter.com/v4XZpJNNCy

— Emir (@EY61_) June 22, 2026

Victory Akpe transfer history

His transfer history tells the story of his rise better than almost anything else.

2025: Joined FK Banga Gargždai in Lithuania.

January 2026: Moved to Zalaegerszegi for an initial reported €100,000.

July 2026: Basel signed him from Zalaegerszegi for a reported €3m.

June 2030: His Basel contract is scheduled to expire.

What is Victory Akpe’s salary?

Akpe’s salary at Basel has not been reliably reported publicly.

Is Victory Akpe married?

There is no reliable public information confirming that Akpe is married.

At 20, much of his public profile is still centred on his rapidly developing football career.

Why did Eric Chelle call up Akpe?

Chelle’s selection gives Akpe an opportunity to move from being a promising European defender to someone the Super Eagles coaching staff can assess at close range.

Nigeria’s Russia squad includes several established internationals, but also a large group of players receiving fresh opportunities. Akpe is one of the few players to have received first senior call-ups, alongside goalkeeper Samuel James, Stephen Fumen Michael, and Igor Wilfred among others.

The choice also fits Akpe’s current club situation. He is not a defender waiting for first-team football. He has been starting regularly for Basel and has already produced a goal and an assist in the Swiss league.

His height, speed and physical strength give Chelle another profile to assess alongside established defenders such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Emmanuel Fernandez.

Where does Akpe fit into the Super Eagles?

Nigeria already have several centre-backs competing for places.

Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Emmanuel Fernandez have senior international experience, while other younger defenders are also pushing for recognition.

Akpe enters that group as a tall, right-footed defender with relatively little international experience but a growing European résumé.

His immediate role is unlikely to be defined simply by his age. Chelle can assess whether his ability to defend aerial balls, compete physically and play out from the back can translate into international football.

His ability to play regularly for Basel also gives him a strong foundation for that assessment.

Is Victory Akpe good enough to play against Russia?

The evidence gives Chelle a reasonable reason to consider him for minutes, but the decision will depend on what happens in camp and training.

Akpe is playing senior football, starting regularly for Basel and facing competitive Swiss Super League opposition. He has also already shown that he can influence a major match.

Russia would be a completely different examination. If Victory Akpe makes his senior debut in Nizhny Novgorod, Chelle will be able to assess his positioning, communication, passing under pressure, aerial defending and recovery speed against an international opponent.

The friendly is scheduled for October 6 at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, after Nigeria’s September AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.