'It Is Very Sad I Was Beaten By That Free-Kick' - 'Fall Guy' Akpeyi Wishes He Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time

Published: July 15, 2019

Daniel Akpeyi was made the scapegoat for the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after they conceded an injury time free-kick, from which Riyad Mahrez scored.

The Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper is trending for all the wrong reasons on social media with many Super Eagles fans questioning his pedigree, and wishes he could turn back the hands of time to prevent the goal.

In truth, Akpeyi has been unjustly made the fall guy for a crime he didn't commit instead of the protagonist Wilfred Ndidi, who clumsily conceded a foul near the 18-yard box despite the instructions of manager Gernot Rohr prior to the game.

Speaking in the mixed zone after Sunday evening's clash, Akpeyi said : ''It is very tough, it is very sad that we have to lose in such a manner and I was beaten by that kind of free-kick, it's something that I wish I can replay but it is over now.''

Rohr took a relatively inexperienced squad to Egypt and Akpeyi thinks they have done well under the circumstances.

''It doesn't matter whatever anyone will say about the team, these players have actually tried, a lot of teams have been knocked out of the tournament but the Nigeria team is still here.

''We have young talents so I am very sure if this team can be given a chance we'll be able to fix things together. So far we have done well,'' he concluded.

Akpeyi conceded five goals at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in matches against Cameroon (2), South Africa and Algeria (2) while he posted two shutouts in his first two games against Burundi and Guinea.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel