Daniel Akpeyi Opens Super Eagles’ Camp In Tangier, Morocco

Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi literally opened the Super Eagles’ camp in Tangier, Morocco on Monday, as he was the first among all invited players to report for national team duty.

Megasportsarena.com gathered that the Eagles’ camp opened in the Moroccan city ahead of their ‘away’ game with Liberia in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers, and Akpeyi showed how serious he is about staking a strong claim for a starting spot.

With second choice keeper, Francis Odinaka Uzoho ruled out with injury, and already replaced by Enyimba of Aba’s Mark Noble, Akpeyi could jolly well get a chance of starting Saturday’s game against The Lone Star, and his early arrival could boost his opportunity.

That could be the case, considering how first choice, Emil Maduka Okoye, who on Monday sealed a deal with Watford of England, reported late for international duty last time out and was dropped to the bench for the first leg against Central African Republic.

Should that scenario play itself out once again, Akpeyi would automatically shoot back into reckoning as Nigeria’s first choice in goal, such that the former Heartland of Owerri and Warri Wolves of Delta State netminder is eager to take every chance that comes his way.

A report by allnigeriasocccer.com added: “Akpeyi has reported for international duty in Morocco ahead of the Super Eagles upcoming World Cup qualifier against Liberia.

“The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Monday evening that Akpeyi was the first invited player to arrive as he flew with the officials from Lagos.

“The Super Eagles camp officially opened today with the officials and Akpeyi arriving Tangiers at 1800 hours.

“The team is expected to begin preparations for the meeting with the Lone Stars on Tuesday, November 8.

“AC Omonia Nicosia glovesman Francis Uzoho has pulled out of the squad due to illness and as a result Akpeyi has climbed up the pecking order of goalkeepers, behind first choice goalie Maduka Okoye.

“The former Warri Wolves star has not featured for the Super Eagles for close to two years, with his last appearance coming in a 4-2 road win over Lesotho in a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“This season, Akpeyi has recorded six appearances in the South African top-flight, keeping two clean sheets.”