After more than a decade in German football and over 170 Bundesliga appearances, Kevin Akpoguma is set to begin a new chapter in Italy, with newly promoted Serie A side Frosinone moving to secure the experienced Super Eagles defender following the end of his long association with Hoffenheim, Footynaija.com reports.
The transfer is the first move outside Germany for Akpoguma, whose professional career has been built almost entirely in the Bundesliga. Having come through the academy at Karlsruher SC before joining Hoffenheim in 2013, the 31-year-old went on to establish himself as one of the club’s most dependable defenders, spending 12 years with the Sinsheim outfit and making well over 140 appearances across all competitions.
Loan spells at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hannover 96 also helped shape his development before he became a regular in Hoffenheim’s back line.
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His final months at the club, however, painted a very different picture. Following the arrival of Christian Ilzer, Akpoguma slipped down the pecking order and found opportunities increasingly difficult to come by.
With Hoffenheim deciding against offering him a new contract, the Nigerian international left the club as a free agent this summer after featuring just nine times during the 2025/26 campaign.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Frosinone have now reached a full agreement to sign Akpoguma, with the experienced centre-back expected to complete the move in the coming days.
The newly promoted club had been searching for a defender that can bring leadership and top-flight experience to their squad as they prepare for life back in Serie A.
For Akpoguma, the move presents an opportunity to rebuild after a frustrating final season in Germany and to test himself in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues at a time when regular football has become increasingly important for his international ambitions.
Since making his Super Eagles debut in 2020 after changing his international allegiance from Germany, Akpoguma has struggled to cement a regular place in the national team, partly because of limited playing time at club level.
His last appearance for Nigeria was in 2023, and consistent football in Serie A could strengthen his case for a return as Eric Chelle continues to reshape his squad ahead of the 2027 AFCON and the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
If the move is completed as expected, Akpoguma will become the latest Nigerian to head to Italy this summer, joining compatriot Akor Adams in Serie A. For Frosinone, they will be adding a defender with years of Bundesliga experience. For Akpoguma, it is the chance to prove that his best years have not been left behind in Germany.
