Nigeria international defender Kevin Akpoguma is set to land in Italy on Wednesday to undergo a medical with newly-promoted Serie A side Frosinone, with the former Hoffenheim man arriving as a free agent.
Sky Sport Italia report that the 31-year-old's flight is already booked and the versatile defender is expected to put pen to paper with the Canarini on Thursday, ending his 13-year association with German football.
Akpoguma, who turned 31 in April, saw his contract at Hoffenheim expire on June 30 after the Bundesliga club opted not to extend his deal. The Nigeria international leaves with an impressive Bundesliga record: 179 appearances for Hoffenheim, three goals and five assists, plus loan spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96 during his lengthy tenure at the club.
A defender capable of playing across the backline — as a centre-back, right-back or even left-back — Akpoguma brings considerable versatility to Frosinone's defensive options as they prepare for life back in Serie A following promotion.
Born in Sinsheim, Germany, Akpoguma represented the country at various youth levels before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria in October 2020. He has since earned senior caps for the Super Eagles and will be hoping that regular first-team football in Italy's top division can help him secure a place in the Nigeria squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Frosinone, who secured promotion back to Serie A for the 2026-27 campaign, are moving swiftly to strengthen their squad. Adding an experienced Bundesliga campaigner on a free transfer represents shrewd business for the club as they look to establish themselves in the Italian top flight.
Sources
- https://football-italia.net/nigeria-akpoguma-frosinone-medical-free-agent/
