It has been a slow, painstaking process for Kevin Akpoguma as he return to full fitness, and competition for places at Hoffenheim.

On Saturday, Akpoguma got Twenty-six minutes in a thrilling Bundesliga match for Der Blau away at Werder Bremen.

The 28 year-old has made only three appearances in the current campaign, but only once has he completed 90 minutes.

At the Weserstadion, the Nigeria International came on for Ozan Kabak and had a decent run out despite playing just a minute of competitive football in the last five games.

However, this international break he won’t be joining Nigeria’s camp in Faro for the friendlies against Saudi Arabi and Mozambique.

Nigeria’s head coach Jose Peseiro left the RB out of the 25-man squad for the October friendlies.