Nigeria goalkeepers are in top form, says Akpeyi ahead of Afcon

Kaizer Chiefs and Nigeria shot-stopper Daniel Akpeyi believes the Super Eagles are fortunate to have three quality goalkeepers at their disposal for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), set to start in Cameroon on 9 January.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper has kept five clean sheets in 12 DStv Premiership matches in the colours of Amakhosi this season and has been the club’s number one for the last two seasons.

Akpeyi, who is part of Nigeria’s Afcon squad has vowed to support Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye and John Noble if any of the goalkeepers get the nod ahead of him when Nigeria open their Afcon Group D campaign against Egypt on Tuesday – 11 January at the Roumde Adjia Stadium before facing Sudan and Guinea-Bissau respectively.

“It is a good development. Maduka has been doing so well, and Uzoho is there as well, and probably Noble is also there, and I believe in these goalkeepers,” said Akpeyi.

“Most importantly, whichever one the coach decides to play at the end of the day, every other person gets to support him. They have my support; they are like younger brothers to me. I am only going to support them if I don’t ‘tet my chance.

“If any one of them is playing. I’m going to support them one hundred per cent. I think everyone is in top form at the moment,” he added.

The 35-year-old is well aware of the Nigerian public’s expectations to bring the Afcon trophy back home.

“As usual Nigerians always expect us to do well in the tournament,” declared the Chiefs goalie.

“I’m sure that the players that have been invited into the camp know what is obtainable and what we need to make Nigerians happy. I just hope that we keep the focus, and the most important thing is to take one game at a time, so the first focus is the first game which is against Egypt.”

Meanwhile, Akpeyi’s teammate, Okoye said he will fight for the number spot. “It is a new competition, and it feels different because nothing is safe,” he stated.

“Nothing is promised, so we are back on fighting for the spot again, but one thing is for sure no matter who is going to play, we’re going to do everything for the country and do our best.”