Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has said he always considers it a rare privilege each time he receives a call up to the national team for an assignment.
The South Africa-based shot-stopper for Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Kaizer Chiefs is one of the 24-man squad the Eagles’ technical adviser, Gernot Rohr called up for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations double-header qualifying clashes against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on Friday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 17.
The former Chippa United goaltender was sidelined due to injury in the Eagles’ two friendly matches against North African opponents, Algeria and Tunisia, in Austria in October.
Akpeyi promised to give 100% performance once he receives the nod to man the Eagles’ post.
“For me being invited to the national team is always a rare privilege and each time when I get a call up and I’m fit to play I cannot but honour it and give 100% performance.
“The Afcon double header against Sierra Leone is an all important match as victory in the match will almost guarantee us a spot in the forthcoming Afcon final in 2022 in Cameroon.
“I have confidence in the bench and players coming for the important match to give their very best to ensure victory.
“We are eager to pocket the Afcon ticket even before the last matches of the qualifying series.
“I’m excited to be fit, healthy and playing again after the scary injury in my club duty towards the end of the season,” said the former goalie of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides, Heartland and Warri Wolves to SPNAfrica.
Eagles will engage the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Friday, November 13 before flying to Freetown for the reverse fixture on Tuesday, November 17 at the Siaka Stephens Stadium.
Victories in both encounters will all but guarantee Nigeria a spot at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in the Central Africa state of Cameroon. Nigeria has already notched the maximum six points in two previous qualifying matches.
