South African club Chippa United has featured two Super Eagles goalkeepers between the sticks over the last decade. One of them has now officially confirmed his retirement from professional football, Soccernet.ng reports.
Before Stanley Nwabali burst onto the scene, Daniel Akpeyi was the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Chippa United. He spent four years with the club following his departure from Warri Wolves in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
During that period, Akpeyi was a regular fixture for the Super Eagles in between the sicks. He made his competitive debut for Nigeria in 2016 during an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Egypt.
At the time, then-coach Gernot Rohr frequently rotated the starting role between Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who was plying his trade in the NPFL.
Akpeyi was also the first-choice goalkeeper for Nigeria during their run to a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Although he enjoyed a decent tournament overall, many fans still contend that his performance contributed to the Super Eagles’ semifinal loss to the eventual champions, Algeria.
Akpeyi Announces Retirement Seven Years After Last Super Eagles Cap
Akpeyi has not featured for the Super Eagles since November 2019. Following his tenure at Chippa United, he remained active for several years, playing for Kaizer Chiefs, Moroka Swallows, and Marumo Gallants, where he departed last year. He has been inactive since.
Although he had remained quiet regarding his career status, Akpeyi confirmed earlier today that he hung up his boots months ago and has transitioned into coaching.
”I’ve retired from active football. I have started my coaching courses and am simply waiting for an opportunity to begin working,” Akpeyi stated during a South African football event on Tuesday.
Akpeyi had a very short run with Nigeria. He made 19 appearances for the three-time African champions, nicking one AFCON bronze in the process. The former Chippa United man also attended the 2018 World Cup, but he did not feature in any of Nigeria's three games in that tournament.
The 39-year-old was spotted assisting with training sessions for Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali a few months ago, as they have a cordial relationship. Perhaps, Akpeyi might eventually join the national team’s coaching staff in the future.
