He was for a while at the sharp end of severe criticisms and social media insults from club and country fans after a string of poor performances but Daniel Akpeyi is gradually winning back the affections of many who once maligned him with world class displays.
Nigeria international goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has become the toast of many who used to ‘acutely dislike’ him as fans of Kaizer Chiefs and the Super Eagles fall over each other in congratulating the 33-year-old after claiming consecutive Player of the Month awards for September and October.
Since standing in for injured Chiefs’ first choice goaltender, Akpeyi has been phenomenal between the goalposts helping league leaders Amakhosi establish a ten-point advantage over bitter rivals and second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.
With Akpeyi in goal, Chiefs have only lost one of their last 13 matches with the former Warri Wolves shotstopper also coach Gernot Rohr’s preferred number one when Nigeria defeated Benin and Lesotho a fortnight ago.
This change in fortunes has finally won Akpeyi – the scapegoat when Algeria defeated Nigeria at the semifinals of the 2019 Afcon tournament – the coveted PSL Player of the Month Awards and the respect of critics who once lashed mercilessly at him.
Truth be told, at some point is acutely disliked both these guys for Chiefs. But now, as life would have it, they are not only winning in the team, but as individuals. Talk about secretly eating a humble pie…#RiseKhosi #Singaphezulu
— Ntozamo Malusi (@ntozmalusi) November 28, 2019
I aslo criticized them both especially when Akpeyi was making mistakes and conceding uncalled for goals. When he started scooping man of the match awards I was also eating humble pie. Abeze one by one.
— SPDM (@SiyabongaMbok89) November 28, 2019
Nigeria's Number One Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi is loved in South Africa.
We celebrate his success & wish him greatness. He is currently representing @KaizerChiefs with distinction & deserve the awards!! Sisonke, we are one ❤✌🏽#Amakhosi4Life #AbsaPrem pic.twitter.com/lx1Ae955kY— LeleMbinda 🇿🇦 (@LeleMbinda) November 28, 2019
Daniel Akpeyi deserved this award after all the criticism and abuse he got from him own FC despite stellar performances.
— Tebogo (@Tebogo_NT) November 28, 2019
Congratulations to the coach and Akpeyi for the awards , keep up the good work , consistency is key , please coach win as many games as possible, I still maintain that some of us can see the good work you do @KaizerChiefs ❤️✌️✌️✌️ pic.twitter.com/TMhSGOdo1S
— Ayakhanya Khoselihle (@Tobisani1) November 28, 2019
Ernest Middendrop and Daniel Akpeyi the most hated be scooping them monthly awards. If it was up to fans these two should've been off loaded in August.
— Mulalo Rashaka (@Mbikisha) November 28, 2019
More awards on the way for you Daniel Akpeyi. Keep up the great form. https://t.co/8ImOFWqBnd
— Oluwatoyin Ibitoye (@Toyin_Ibitoye) November 28, 2019
The woeful error he committed against Algeria at the Afcon was 90% the fault of the National team goal keepers trainer and GR because he made the same mistake in our Pre World Cup friendly against Argentina, so for him to do it again and GR to stand on the touchline and failed to shout
at Akpeyi immediatelyy he saw him repeating the same mistake shows that our coaching crew needs to be reshuffled especially in the goalkeeping department As for Akpeyi, I have always said he is a good goalkeeper that only have problems with his nerves, once he stops being nervous on the big stage he will continue to put in Sterling performances. Congrats