Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi will return to man the posts when the Super Eagles face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in their AFCON 2019 Round of 16 encounter at the Alexandria Stadium on Saturday, reports Completesports.com.
Akpeyi started Nigeria’s opening two games at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt against Burundi and Guinea, but was rested for the final group clash versus Madagascar.
The former Warri Wolves goal tender kept a clean sheet in both games with the Super Eagles recording 1-0 slim wins.
Akpeyi made a number of vital saves in both matches but looked shaky and short of confidence at times.
His replacement against Madagascar, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who plays for Nigeria Professional Football League outfit, Katsina United conceded twice against the debutants will now have to return to a substitute role.
Completesports.com scooped from a reliable camp source that head coach of the team, Gernot Rohr has opted for Akpeyi ahead of Ezenwa for the big clash against the Indomitable Lions.
The kickoff for the Nigeria vs Cameroon is 5pm Nigerian time.
By Adeboye Amosu in Alexandria
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COMMENTS
This Akpeyi is not a goal keeper well.
I prefer him to Ezenwa – in the absence of a better option. Ezenwa to me is huff and puff, often trying to give off false confidence. A good striker will see through the pretence and expose him. He hardly saves one-on-one (last qualifier in SA and Madagascar first goal). Akpeyi saved our blushes on more than one occasion and seems to be finally coming into his own. He just needs to be told he’s the best at this time, and he needs to believe that. His major problem is a lack of confidence and I think it’s the major reasons he blunders sometimes and concedes goals.
Akpeyi is the best keeper Nigeria has for now> he fidgets trying not to disappoint at times because he lost the trust Nigerians had on him owing to past mistakes. all he needs now is self belief and support from difficult to convince Nigerian fans.
Very true kel.. Akpeyi is surely the best we want now… They save against Burundi was not an easy one.. If they had scored they would surely hold on to it just like the Madagascar team did..
I love the fact the players knew they didnt do well.. Expecting a better performance
They are already boasting on Supersport that they can conquer West Africa like they did to North Africa.
Akpeyi or no Akpeyi, the game can go either way. This tournament is crazily unpredictable. Won’t be surprised if Benin wins the tournament!
This coach haven’t learned his lessons.
Akpeyi is not a keeper you can rely on. Most especially when the team is under pressure.
The coach should check Akpeyi records.
I will prefer Ezenwa to him. He should remember that any mistake will send Nigeria home tomorrow.
Only God can make Nigeria will tomorrow. The two goals we conceded wasn’t Ezenwa fault.
Akpeyi is not confident enough to man the post against Cameroon.
I have said my own before the match.
I warned the coach before the tournament. Out 180 millions, this is what he can gives to Nigeria. Too bad.
I have no pressure on me because the manager is up to the task. It’s my Country, I wish them good luck. God bless Nigeria!!!
Imagine what Nigerians would have said if team morroco was ours.
1. Renard ( who happens to have won 2 Afcon ) is the worst coach ever.
2. Ziyech is a stupid player
3. Sack the stupid coach
4. Disband the team.
5. How can we lose to a minor( Benin)
What I am trying to say is that Good coaches too lose games. It’s definitely a bad loss for Morroco but it will be worse for team if they do anything that will stop their wonderful team from building on what they have started.
I will NEVER sack Renard if ai were Morroco FA President.
God bless Nigeria.
Ezenwa conceded 2 goals, yes, bt none was his fault at all. Hes a good keeper. If realy u know football, wat exactly do u expect Ezenwa to do in those two goals madagascar scored. Pls, ask Ike Shiromu, who was a good goal keeper in his time weda there was anything any goal keeper would v done in those two goals. To me, Ezenwa is better. He was in goal wen we faced Cameroun during d world cup qualifiers, and he did perfectly well. Though, Akpeyi is improving in his goal keeping skills daily especially in ds competition. Tanx
It’s Nigeria vs Rsa
Hope SA wont be rejoicing to face Akpeyi?