Ahead of Super Eagles AFCON 2021 Qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho, Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has been praised by Ernst Middendorp following his penalty heroics in the Telcom knockout.
Akpeyi was the hero for Kaizer Chiefs last weekend as he saved two penalties to help the Amakhosi knock out Orlando Pirates. The 34-year old has been filling in for Itumeleng Khune who is currently injured.
The former Chippa United has come in for criticism both at the club and international level over his goalkeeping abilities. However, he received praise from both fans and manager, Ernst Middendorp after his performance in the Soweto derby.
Speaking after the match, the former Ausburg manager expressed his delight at Akpeyi’s performance despite the criticism he has faced.
“He’s very grown up, he always performed and I think sometimes you have people who say the wall is grey and some other people for some odd reason they say no the wall is green,” Middendorp told Kickoff.
“I understand, he just came in to help the club with Itumeleng Khune injured, he had to improve and be better, and I think there’s a certain institution who worked on these issues.
Akpeyi will hope to carry his form into the international scene when Nigeria start their AFCON 2021 qualifiers with games against Benin and Lesotho.
The former Warri Wolves goalkeeper is making a return to the team for the first time since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
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