Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has assured the side will discover more stars at the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa.
The Eagles will head off to South African for their debut campaign at the continent’s biennial football showpiece without some key players, either ruled out by injuries or ineligible after sealing moves to clubs. abroad.
Sunday Mba will miss the CHAN party same as Kano Pillars striker, Gambo Mohammed who suffered a recurring hamstring injury, among others.
Akpeyi, who admitted the key players will be sorely missed in South Africa, however insisted that with Nigerians support, the side are sure to go places at the championship.
“We’ll sorely miss Godfrey Oboabona and Sunday Mba in South Africa, they’re an integral and important members of the team prior to their departure for greener pastures abroad but be rest assured that more Oboabonas and Mbas will be discovered at the championship.
“Nigerians only need to give us a chance to represent them at the CHAN football event. The fact that we’re heading back to South Africa where the mainstream side won the Africa Cup of Nations title is enough motivation for us to excel.
“The AFCON victory is enough motivation for CHAN, we pray and ask for Nigerians supports as we try to recreate history in South Africa. I’m positive we’ll repeat the AFCON feat,” said the Heartland goaltender to supersport.com.
Akpeyi, who is among the 23-man squad manager, Stephen Keshi shortlisted on Tuesday to prosecute the CHAN starting from January 11 to February 1, said he feels challenged to perform by the trust the coaches reposed in him and his teammates.
“I feel delighted to be handed the task to head to South Africa for the African Nations Championship competition.
“I won’t let down the coaches, myself and Nigerians. My teammates and I are further encouraged to perform by the window of opportunity opened to us to be included in the World Cup team,” Akpeyi said.
