Hoffenheim director hails Akpoguma after contract extension

Super Eagles defender, Kevin Akpoguma, has underlined his commitment to German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim after extending his contract until 2026, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

With a statement on their official website, Hoffenheim announced that the Nigerian has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2026.

His previous agreement with Hoffenheim would have expired at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Akpoguma joined Hoffenheim from Karlsruhe in 2013, and took in loan spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover before establishing himself as a first-team regular at The Blues in the 2017/18 season, making 118 appearances and scoring three goals for the club in the Bundesliga.

Last season, the Neustadt an der Weinstrasse-born player appeared in 28 Bundesliga matches – the most he has managed in a single season in the topflight of German football.

“I love this club and there was no question for me that I would like to play football here in the future,” Akpoguma told the club’s website.

“This is my club, TSG is extremely close to my heart. Even in times that were difficult for me personally, those responsible always believed in me.

“I’ve developed a close bond with TSG and the entire region and I want to give something back by extending my contract.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I will always give my all for this club.”

Hoffenheim’s director of football Alexander Rosen also heaped praise on the Nigerian for his contributions to the club over the years.

“Kevin is a player who oozes pure passion for TSG with every fibre of his body,” Rosen said

“He lives by the values that we want to stand for on and off the pitch and sets an example and leads the way with his passionate commitment, his enormous speed and his uncompromising style of play. Akpo has also repeatedly shown character in demanding situations, carried his teammates along with him with his emotional manner and, on a sporting level, delivered probably his most consistent performances in a TSG shirt last season.”