Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi says he will not disappoint Nigerians if he mans the post in the fast approaching 2018 Cup qualifier against Algeria.
Akpeyi, who plies his soccer trade with Chippa United in South Africa, was called up by Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, as replacement for injured Wolverhampton Wanderers goal tender Carl Ikeme.
Akpeyi says he is 100 percent ready for the task against the Algerians on November 12 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The former Warri Wolves keeper, who was part of Coach Samson Siasia’s team that got a bronze medal at the Rio Olympic Games was omitted in the initial invitation by Rohr, but Ikeme’s injury while on duty for his club in England, resorted to immediate fall back on him.
Akpeyi said he considers the late call up as a rare honour and privilege even though he was cocksure he merited the early invitation.
“Of course, I consider it always an honour and privilege to serve my fatherland,” he told supersport.com. “I’m happy with the call up as I’m 100 percent fit and determined to justify my inclusion in the game against the Algerians.
“The truth is that I had looked forward to be named in the first list but when it did not come through I kept faith and focus on my club career. I should be arriving Nigeria on Sunday or Monday as the invitation specified to team up with teammates to prepare for the clash against Algeria.
“The match against Algeria is not going to be an easy task given the North Africans pedigree in the land but I’m confident we can always conquer at the end of the day to sustain the momentum after the heroic performance against Zambia in Ndola.
“I strongly believe that Algeria will certainly go the way of Zambia in Uyo on November 12,” Akpeyi stated.
Nigeria tops the group with three points after matchday 1 clash success at Zambia in Ndola while opponents, Algeria have one point same as Cameroon.
