38-year-old Super Eagles star brushes off retirement talks amid praise from South African legend

Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has suggested he has no plans to retire from football just yet, despite facing limited opportunities on the pitch in recent months, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 38-year-old, who last played for South African side Marumo Gallants, found himself out of action since September after enduring a tough outing against Mamelodi Sundowns, where he conceded three goals before being substituted.

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His subsequent absence from the starting XI has fueled speculation about his future.

However, Akpeyi recently posted a video compilation of his best saves on Instagram, showing highlights from his time with the Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs.

The video tagged ‘Joy is coming‘ caught the attention of his former teammate and South African icon Itumeleng Khune, who took to social media to heap praise on Akpeyi.

“One of the best to grace our shores. Respect, Papa D,” Khune wrote, resharing Akpeyi’s video on his Instagram stories.

Akpeyi responded warmly, saying,

“Skipper, you are simply the best. Big love.”

Akpeyi’s time with Marumo Gallants has been far from ideal.

He joined the club at the start of the season following their acquisition of Moroka Swallows’ league status.

Despite early appearances, including a substitute cameo against Kaizer Chiefs and starts against Golden Arrows and Sundowns, injuries and form have sidelined Akpeyi since September.

He has only made the bench once for the Gallants, who are struggling defensively this season.

According to SNL24 reports, Akpeyi is on his way out of Marumo Gallants, raising questions about his next move even as his posted video reveals he is still expecting a coming joy.

Despite his recent challenges, Akpeyi’s career boasts notable achievements, including 18 caps for Nigeria and a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper.

However, Akpeyi has not featured for Nigeria since the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs against Ghana.