Akpe Victory: Basel eye move for Nigerian centre-back from Zalaegerszeg

Basel are being linked with a move for Nigerian defender Akpe Victory, who currently plays for Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg.

The 19-year-old centre-back has emerged as a potential target for the Swiss Super League club, with the likelihood of a transfer currently rated at 97%. No agreement has been announced and the move remains a rumour at this stage.

Victory joined Zalaegerszeg from Lithuanian club FK Banga Gargzdai in January 2026, moving within Europe after a year in the A Lyga. His rapid development has coincided with a sharp rise in his value, which is now listed at 2m.

Born in Abuja and standing at 1.95m, Victory is regarded as a physically imposing central defender. He wears the number 55 shirt for Zalaegerszeg and is listed primarily as a centre-back.

Before his switch to Hungary, Victorys value had climbed steadily at Banga Gargzdai, increasing from 50,000 in June 2025 to 100,000 by November of the same year. His subsequent leap to a multi-million valuation came after his move to Zalaegerszeg and performances there.

Victory moved to Lithuania in February 2025 from an undisclosed previous club, marking his first recorded step into European football. His progression through Lithuanias top flight and into the Hungarian NB I has underpinned the growing interest around him.

The Nigerian defender is currently on the books at Zalaegerszeg, with Basel exploring the possibility of bringing him to the Swiss Super League as they assess central defensive options.