For Victory Akpe, the journey from playing football in Abuja to earning a first invitation to the Super Eagles has happened remarkably quickly.

The FC Basel defender is among the fresh faces called up by head coach Éric Chelle for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia, scheduled for October 6, 2026, at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Akpe’s inclusion in the 24-man squad, alongside several other players receiving their first senior invitation.

Akpe’s European journey began less than two years ago after he left Nigeria in pursuit of a professional football career. Before making the move abroad, he played for Chidex Academy in Abuja before relocating to Lagos to join Hyraj Football Club.

The transition was far from straightforward.

Akpe, who grew up in Begger Camp in Kubwa, Abuja, recalled having to adjust to life in Lagos without family or close friends around him. He also had to cope with the challenges of feeding himself and adapting to a different football environment.

Rather than abandon his ambition, the young defender remained focused on his goal. His performances eventually attracted attention and opened the door to European football.

His first European stop was FK Banga in Lithuania, where he initially had to wait for his opportunity. Despite the difficult weather conditions and the challenge of adapting to a new football culture, Akpe continued working until he earned the trust of the coaching staff.

He subsequently moved to Hungary, where he continued his development before securing a move to Swiss giants FC Basel.

Basel currently lists Akpe Victory Maduabuchukwu in its first-team squad, wearing number 55. The club has also featured him in its starting lineup in Swiss league action this season.

Akpe has credited the experience of playing in Europe with changing his understanding of the game. According to him, European football demanded greater attention to tactical details, positioning, marking and decision-making than he was accustomed to in Nigeria.

The defender said he initially relied heavily on aggression but gradually learned to study his performances, analyse mistakes and understand how to improve his game.

That willingness to learn has been central to his rapid progress.

The young centre-back has also stressed the importance of learning from coaches and not being afraid to make mistakes. He explained that reviewing his performances helped him understand why certain passes failed, why he lost particular duels and how he could make better decisions in subsequent matches.

His progress at Basel has now brought another major opportunity.

On September 17, the NFF announced Akpe as part of Chelle’s 24-man squad for the Russia friendly. He was included alongside established Super Eagles players such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

For Akpe, the invitation reportedly arrived in an unexpected way. He said he received a message on Instagram from the coach, who subsequently contacted him by phone after asking for his number.

The call confirmed what had initially seemed difficult to believe: he was being invited to join Nigeria’s senior national team.

Akpe said the moment left him surprised, although he also viewed it as a reward for the work he had put into his career. He shared the news with his parents, agent and friends, who celebrated the achievement with him.

The Russia friendly could provide Akpe with an opportunity to make his senior international debut, although selection for the matchday team and playing time remain decisions for the coaching staff. The NFF has confirmed that the match is scheduled for October 6 in Nizhny Novgorod.

If given the opportunity, Akpe says he wants to bring an aggressive but composed style to the Super Eagles defence. He has described himself as a defender who enjoys carrying the ball forward, creating space for midfielders and competing strongly in defensive situations.

His ambitions extend well beyond making his first appearance for Nigeria.

Akpe has spoken about his desire to represent the country at the FIFA World Cup and help the Super Eagles compete for major honours, including the Africa Cup of Nations. He also hopes to develop into a leader within the national team.

At Basel, he has had the opportunity to interact with experienced players, including former Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri. Akpe said conversations with senior players have helped him understand the responsibility that comes with representing a national team.

Interestingly, the defender did not begin his football journey as a centre-back. He revealed that he initially played as a striker because he did not enjoy running or marking opponents. A coach in his local community later noticed his height and encouraged him to move into defence, where he could potentially develop into a leader from the back.

That positional change eventually became the foundation of his professional career.

Akpe has also identified Virgil van Dijk and Antonio RĂĽdiger among the defenders he admires, while Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke is another player whose ball-playing qualities he enjoys studying.

The Basel defender has already shown that he can contribute beyond his defensive responsibilities. He scored and provided an assist in Basel’s 3-3 draw with Young Boys on August 29, according to reports surrounding his early spell at the Swiss club.

However, Akpe believes there is still room for improvement, particularly when attacking set pieces and creating opportunities for teammates from the back.

From grassroots football in Abuja and the difficult transition to Lagos, through Lithuania and Hungary and now to Switzerland, Akpe’s career has moved at a remarkable pace.

His first Super Eagles invitation represents the latest milestone in that journey. With Nigeria preparing to face Russia in October, the young Basel defender now has the opportunity to take another major step in his international career.

For Akpe, the ambition is clear: continue learning, establish himself at the highest level and one day wear the Nigerian jersey at the World Cup.