Daniel Akpeyi: Former Kaizer Chiefs Goalkeeper Eyes Return to Super Eagles

• Daniel Akpeyi wants a return to the Super Eagles having been left out of the squad since 2021
• The former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has already made 18 appearances for the Nigerian national team
• Akpeyi says he is better than yesterday as he awaits an opportunity to be called up

Maroka Swallows goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed his desire to return to the Nigerian national team ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Akpeyi has been left out of the squad since 2021 as Francis Uzoho has manned the post for the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Uzoho has been faced with heavy criticisms following his performances during a friendly match with Saudi Arabia as well as the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Akpeyi, who was part of the Nigerian team that won bronze at the 2019 AFCON tournament is looking for a possible return to the Super Eagles.

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He told GOAL:

“I think I’m better than yesterday. Today is better than yesterday. It’s just that (I’m) waiting for the opportunity.”

The Super Eagles have started their World Cup qualifying campaign on a poor note, managing just two points from a possible six, Soccernet reports.

Akpeyi is optimistic that the team will return to their best as he cited Argentina as an example following their loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup opener before they went on to win the title.

The goalkeeper added:

“In Qatar, Argentina never did well from the beginning. But they ended up winning the World Cup.

“Football has changed. No team is an underdog. Everybody is stepping up, year after year. I must say that at this time, we need to understand that aspect of the game and not because you have all the players playing in Europe and you expect to knock everybody down.”

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Nigerians demand Jose Peseiro's sack

Sports Brief earlier reported that Nigerian fans have called on the sacking of Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro following their draw with Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Eagles have begun the World Cup qualifying series on a poor note after a 1-1 draw with the Crocodiles inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Eagles also recorded the same scoreline with Zimbabwe in their second match.