Two Super Eagles stars, Frank Onyeka and Kevin Akpoguma, have made waves in the Bundesliga this season, ranking among the league’s top players in key statistical areas.
Onyeka, currently on loan at Augsburg from Brentford, has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s best tacklers, while Hoffenheim’s Akpoguma has solidified his reputation as one of the most efficient passers in the division.
Onyeka: A Defensive Wall in Midfield
The Nigerian midfield powerhouse has been a standout performer, ranking 27th among the Bundesliga’s top 50 tacklers. According to Euro Football Rumours, Onyeka has registered 39 tackles in 22 Bundesliga appearances, showcasing his relentless ball-winning ability.
Onyeka is loan from English club Brentford,
Having played 1,842 minutes this season, the 27-year-old has been a crucial presence in the middle of the park. His tenacity and work rate have not gone unnoticed, as Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named him in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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Despite primarily being a defensive force, Onyeka has also contributed going forward, registering an assist in both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
Akpoguma: The Silent Architect in Defense
While Onyeka has been a midfield enforcer, Kevin Akpoguma has proven to be a key distributor in Hoffenheim’s backline. The Super Eagles defender has completed 1,026 passes across 24 league appearances, placing him among the Bundesliga’s top passers.
Leading the charts is Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich (2,459 completed passes), but Akpoguma’s passing precision has been vital in Hoffenheim’s build-up play.
Akpoguma plays alongside Gift Orban.
Despite his efficiency, the 29-year-old is yet to register a goal or assist this season—a trend that has persisted for the last two campaigns.
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His most productive season came in 2021/22, when he contributed two goals and two assists in 26 Bundesliga matches. However, despite his solid performances, he was omitted from Nigeria’s provisional squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
