How I Got Invited to the Super Eagles Through Instagram

In this chat with Abiodun Adewale, Basel defender Victory Akpe shares his journey to Europe, his quick rise through Lithuania, Hungary, and Switzerland, and how he got a call-up to the Super Eagles for the international friendly against Russia.

Congratulations on your Super Eagles invite. How does it feel to be a new national team invitee?
It is a big privilege. Many people want to be here and many are doing well at their clubs in Europe. Getting the chance to join the team is a big deal. Now, I have to fight for my country, show my skills, and aim for regular call-ups.

One-and-a-half years ago, you were still in Nigeria. How did your time in Abuja shape you as a footballer?
Seeing others around me making progress pushed me to stay focused. I started in Abuja but told my family I needed to play serious football. I moved to Lagos and joined Hyraj Football Club. It was tough at first, but I learned that good things come from stepping outside your comfort zone. I played for Chidex Academy in Abuja before moving to Hyraj in Lagos. I had no family or friends in Lagos, which made things difficult. Surviving there was hard. What kept me going was my goal. At one point, I thought of going back to Abuja because Lagos was challenging. Eventually, I adapted and that led my agent to notice me.

What was growing up like?
I was born in Begger Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, and I have four sisters. I am the only boy. Growing up was fun and normal. My parents wanted me to focus on school first, but they later saw my potential in football, so they let me play.

After you joined FK Banga in Lithuania, you were the first player the club made money from. How important was that move?
That was a big learning experience for me. I didn’t play much at first. It was cold, but I kept pushing. Eventually, I got my chance and the coach believed in me. I moved to Hungary at the end of the season, and then Basel came for me. I learned how to communicate with people and how to present myself as a player. Being known means you must carry yourself well and watch what you post on social media. These lessons have been crucial.

In just over a year, you've gone from Lithuania to Hungary and now to Switzerland. What changed for you?
At first, it was tough because the playing style in Europe is different from Nigeria. They focus on tactics and details. I was just aggressive at the start and didn’t read my duels or jumps well. Over time, I started watching my clips to improve. I credit God and my hard work. I have good relationships with my coaches because I listen to them. I make mistakes but learn from them, and they help me grow. Learning is key to doing better in games. I also try to do extra work on the field and learn from my errors.

Basel is a bigger platform, and you've established yourself in the team. What are you and your teammates aiming for this season?
We aim to win and be the best in the league. We have many new players and our coach left recently. We're fighting to achieve our goals and hope things improve after the international break so we can finish first and reach Europe.

How did you get your Super Eagles invitation?
The coach messaged me on Instagram. At first, I got messages from people saying I could play for the Super Eagles, but I didn’t pay much attention. I was just talking to my agent, who told me to keep working. One night, I woke up to use the restroom and saw a message from the coach asking for my number. He called me and we spoke. That confirmed it was really him.

What went through your mind when you got the news?
I was a bit shocked but not entirely surprised. I didn't know how to react, but I knew hard work could lead to this. I told my agent, parents, and friends, and they were all proud.

The Russia game gives players like you a chance to introduce themselves to the national team. What do you believe you can bring to the Super Eagles defence?
I like to drive the ball to create space for midfielders. I also run a lot, so Nigerians will see me winning duels, being aggressive, and blocking for the goalkeeper. Most importantly, I want us to win because we deserve better. We need to establish ourselves and prepare for the upcoming AFCON. I haven’t met the other players yet, so this is a great time to connect. Whether I am on the field or the bench, I will fight for my chance.

Have you spoken with ex-internationals about playing for the national team?
Yes, I have Xherdan Shaqiri at my club, and we talked about what it takes to play for the national team. From our chat, I understand the importance of the task. In Nigeria, we have many big competitions; every game matters. I want to wear the Nigerian jersey at the World Cup, be a leader, and help the team win.

This is a friendly. If you debut against Russia, what do you want Nigerians to see from you?
I want to play in the World Cup and win the AFCON again. We have the quality, and we need to maintain our reputation as African Giants. I want to see us compete with top European teams again.

Who is your defender role model?
I like Virgil van Dijk. Before him, I liked Rüdiger at Chelsea because he was aggressive. After he moved to Madrid, I didn’t watch him much. I also enjoy watching Van Hecke at Tottenham, who played for Brighton. He is a ball-playing centre-back and I admire how he plays with and without the ball.

Did you start as a striker?
Yes, I played as a striker because I didn’t like to run or defend. One day, my local coach told me I was tall and could be a leader from the back. That’s how I started defending.

As a central defender, you have scored one goal and assisted another. How much do you focus on contributing offensively?
It feels great to score or assist and help the team win. But I want to do more. I need to improve my heading goals. I am also focusing on making passes to strikers in space to help them get closer to the goal. I want to be the player who creates special chances for our success.