Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has expressed his disappointment over Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against South Africa in their Group C of 2026 World Cup qualifier, saying an imminent 2026 World Cup miss doesn’t augur well for the development of the game.
“We’re looking for the three points so that we can be able to have the opportunity for us to qualify, but unfortunately, it looks more like a cow going through the eye of a needle, it’s hard,” a crest-fallen Akpeyi said. “I feel sad to be honest, because there are other young players in the team who actually want to be in the World Cup.”
The 39 –year-old further expressed sadness over the team’s current misfortune in the qualification run for the next year’s Mundial.
“You see , we caused our own misfortune. Just imagine the game against Rwanda, we tried to get out of that game with a goal which gives us three points and a lifeline for this game (against South Africa), but unfortunately, we couldn’t get the desirable results we’re looking up to.”
Akpeyi congratulated South Africa on their performance and highlighted the importance of team spirit and cohesion, citing South Africa’s success under coach Hugo Broos.
Akpeyi, who had stints in the South African Premier League, believes the team needs to prepare early to qualify for the World Cup in the future, adding can no longer be reckoned with as the “giant of Africa”. He emphasized that every team is stepping up their game, making qualification more challenging.
“I think probably this is going to teach us a lesson that we need to prepare early because we don’t need to depend on we being the giant of Africa. That used to be the case, but now, no team is an underdog; everyone is stepping up to the game.”
Akpeyi had an illustrious career, playing for several clubs, including Gabros International, Nasarawa United, Heartland, Warri Wolves, and Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United. He also represented Nigeria in several international tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
