Daniel Akpeyi’s move to Kaizer Chiefs from Chippa United was a big leap and it comes with a huge responsibility to fill the gloves of the iconic Itumelenge Khune, but only three games into that journey and the Nigerian may already be feeling the heat.
Akpeyi’s surprise January move was the biggest upgrade by any Nigerian goalkeeper in a while and it very much looks like the last he could get as first choice; at 32.
Till then, it’ll benefit his national team ranking by any means. With the Super Eagles, he hovered between second and third choice in the pecking order for same reasons he has begun to cause eye browse being raised by the Amakhosi faithfuls.
In the past, his decision making and confidence between the sticks on the big occasions drew sharp criticisms from former Nigeria international goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro, but little has changed it seems.
For his current PSL side, the goalie jumped right into the fray and has made three league appearances, none of which he managed to keep a clean sheet in.
Whilst there were question marks over the team’s defensive form this season, Akpeyi has done little to prove it drastically.
He has conceded four goals in three matches and was culpable for one or two.
To his credit though, the former Warri Wolves goalie is yet to lose a game with the Chiefs (1W, 2D), but in the short term for a team struggling to find its identity again, clean sheets will do his reputation and the ambitions of the club some good.
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