Akpeyi assures arrival for Leone Stars’ AFCON clash

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has assured he will arrive into the country on time for the crucial 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone.

The South African based Kaizer Chiefs goaltender is among the few players invited for the AFCON double header against the West African foes who are yet to arrive in camp due to travel hitches.

Eagles will face the Leone Stars in the first leg of the two-legged encounter on Friday, November 13, 2020 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo state while the reverse fixture holds on Tuesday, November 17 at the Siaka Steven Stadium in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Sixteen players had their first training session with manager Genort Rohr on Tuesday at the match venue and will have two training sessions today (Wednesday) at the same spot when it is expected more players would have arrived for the all important match.

Akpeyi admitted having stiff challenges leaving his base before now but assured everything has been tidied up to ensure he arrives unfailingly the country on Wednesday.

“Actually, I did have some challenges but by God’s grace I will be in camp later today (Wednesday).

“I feel bad missing the first training session yesterday (Tuesday), I strongly believe that I will make up for the lost time by the time I arrive today.

“I know too few of my colleagues are having similar challenges leaving their base due to new restrictions on travelling occasioned by the recent upsurge in coronavirus pandemic.

 “The match is important to our qualification for the upcoming 2021 AFCON final in Cameroun and we will give it our very best to ensure we win both legs in Nigeria and Sierra Leone,” said the former Heartland and Warri Wolves shot stopper to SPNAfrica.com.

Akpeyi’s delayed arrival in camp may have explained the presence of NPFL side, Heartland goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa with the Eagles that trained yesterday. Ezenwa was on standby list.

The other two foreign-based goalkeepers, Maduka Okoye and Sebastian Osigwe are already in camp.

Eagles lead the pack on Group L with six points after two victories against the duo, Republic of Benin and Lesotho and wins in both legs against Sierra Leone will be adequate to secure a spot for the three-time African champions for the 2021 AFCON finals in the Central African state, Cameroun.