Daniel Akpeyi is afraid that the return to action of South Africa number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune for Kaizer Chiefs might cost him his place in the Super Eagles, reports Completesports.com.
Khune is expected to make his highly anticipated return from a long-term injury-induced layoff for Kaizer Chiefs when they host SuperSport United in their third Premier Soccer League game of the season this weekend.
Following Khune’s injury, Akpeyi who was Nigeria’s first choice goalkeeper ta the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, fought for the number one spot with Bruce Bvuma, but he is aware Khune’s return could minimize his chances to don the number one shirt.
In addition, the former Chippa United gloveman explains his fears of losing his the Super Eagles number one spot, adding he hopes the Nigeria coaches will understand the dynamics at his club even if he is not playing regular football.
“Sometimes this game can be tricky, but when you have someone who understands the dynamics of this game, who understands how things run,” continued the lanky keeper,” Akpeyi told reporters.
“I am in a team where I will not be playing 100% of games. That should be understood because there is no way that I can push Khune aside no matter if he is on form or not, he has this background that it would be difficult for you to push him out, I am just being honest about it,” noted the 33-year-old.
“But for whoever is the head [coach of Nigeria], as long as he understands the dynamics and how things work, as long as I am free and doing my best here and the report gets to them, it will be up to them to decide if they want to give me a chance and still believe I can make it work with the national team.”
Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr did not include Akpeyi in his squad that will face Ukraine in an international friendly match on September 10 in Kyiv. The German settled for the trio of Francis Izoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and new invitee – Fortuna Dusseldorf goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye.
By Adeboye Amosu
16 Comments
The day you’ll retire I will be the happiest man on earth so that no eagles coach will make any error of inviting you. True talk because you are a good example of a Policeman working as a full time Bus driver just because you are yet to discover where you belong.
With Khune’s long injury layoff, you really should have cemented your spot as Number One and made it difficult for him to reclaim his starting shirt. Understandable that SAns would have a bias for Khune, but you could have done your own part and split opinions. Instead, the team’s second choice, Bvuma was even often besting you to the starting spot. You’re not a bad goalkeeper, but maybe you should hire a personal trainer and sports psychologists to help you work on certain grey areas. To start with, review the goal you conceded against Mahrez at the last Afcon (bad positioning), and the one against Argentina in pre-world cup friendly in Russia (stage fright). All the best.
welcome development
In football goalkeepering position is more difficult than any position. Khune has the advantage because he his from sa . apkpeyi you have done well my sapele bro
Apkeyi is not a good goal keeper and he has never been one. He should come home to join Bendel Insurance.
Mr. Ędoman, please don’t blame the goalkeeper but the coach. Akpeyi has never been a good goalkeeper but the best coach of our time included him in the Super Eagles squad. Isn’t that funny?
So, na now you know say Akpeyi na big basket? Let me use this equation to solve this problem for you my lovely Ędomam. Coach Rohr-Akpai-Agu, keeper trainer= no hope for Super Eagles. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Bendel Insurance sef no go gree 🙂 🙂
Akpabasket, u r the worse Nigeria goalkeeper, m sure rohr is aware amidst your exclusion from the Ukraine friendly u lack everything in goal keeping.u should be thinking of retirement.
Delusions of grandeur
It’s hard to see Akpeyi return as a Super Eagles goalkeeper as public opinion is too stacked against him.
Shame though; he’s a decent goalkeeper but his propensity for needless mistakes have overshadowed his good attributes.
Do people remember those one-on-one shots he stopped in Egypt?
Achi, he was amazing in that Afcon qualifier against Egypt a couple of years back making some breath-taking saves towards the end of the first half to keep our fading, eventually fruitless hopes of qualifying for the 2017 Afcon alive.
That was one game where the spirits of stupid mistakes that often haunt him all decided to go on holiday leaving us with the best of what Akpeyi can offer when his game is devoid of craziness.
Such a good goalkeeper, shame he will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Egypt vs Akpeyi below (perhaps Akpeyi’s finest hour in a Super Eagles Jersey) :
https://youtu.be/W9-HacQV-7Q
Thank GOD for his mercies. Osheeyyy
Mr @achi akpeyi has never stopped any shot not even one,the Truth is that the Cameroon guy shoot on him,.am really sorry for this man because after that South Africa’s club I don’t see any club that will sign his type of keeper
So this guy thinks he’s still no1 choice in Super Eagle. He should better concentrate in his club as I don’t see him coming back.
Who cares. Remains the worst goalkeeper to ever man Super Eagles goal Line