Nigeria legend Okocha lauds Chiefs goalkeeper Akpeyi
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, has received special praise from Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha.
Akpeyi is currently with the Nigeria national team squad in Cameroon where the Super Eagles are looking to win a fourth CAF Africa Cup of Nations crown.
The 35-year-old boasts 19 international appearances to his name but fell behind the likes of Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye in the pecking order after his recent injury concerns.
Nonetheless, he has found an ardent supporter seven-time Nigerian Footballer of the Year, Okocha, who insists that the Chiefs’ stopper still has an important role to play.
“Daniel is a very important player for the squad,” the 1994 AFCON winner said in an interview with Amakhosi’s media team.
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“He only lost his place through injury and it shows how strong the whole squad is because once you miss out because of injury it is always difficult to get back for a goalkeeper.
“We believe we have a great squad and we have people like Daniel we can rely on if needed.”
“It is a plus for us as the keeper’s role is very important. And it is important to have someone you can rely on if your defence is breached.
“I am happy that we have a happy competition in our goalkeeping department and it is a plus for any coach.
Nigeria opened their 2021 campaign with a 1-0 win over record seven-time champions Egypt on Tuesday and will be in action again on Saturday when they meet Sudan at the Roumde Adjia Stadium.