Former Super Eagles star begins new chapter as goalkeeper coach in South Africa


Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has officially stepped into coaching after being appointed goalkeeper coach at Future of Africa, a newly promoted side in the Gauteng Development League (GDL) Soccernet.ng reports.

The 39-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Marumo Gallants at the end of last season, has now found a new way to stay in the game that defined much of his life.

Daniel Akpeyi had been a free agent since mid-2023 and previously told FARPost he was preparing for life after active football.

Super Eagles star Daniel Akpeyi
Akpeyi Daniel, Super Eagles of Nigeria during the 2022 World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria and Cape Verde Cape Verde at Teslim Balogun Stadium on November 16, 2021 in Nigeria. Photo by IMAGO

“I have my CAF D Coaching Licence in hand, and very soon I will upgrade as I am ready to take on the next challenge and transition into coaching,” he said in October.

That transition has now become a reality. His new role at Future of Africa is a natural evolution for one of Nigeria’s most dependable goalkeepers of the last decade.

Known for his calm presence, agility, and experience between the posts, Akpeyi’s addition is expected to bring structure, professionalism, and a mentoring touch to the young club’s development programme.

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Akpeyi: A Super Eagle with a storied career spanning two nations

A product of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Akpeyi has enjoyed a career defined by consistency and quiet excellence.

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has officially stepped into coaching
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi. Photo by IMAGO

From his early days with Gabros International and Heartland FC in Nigeria to his long stint in South Africa, he earned a reputation as a reliable last line of defence.

His move to Chippa United in 2015 marked the start of an impressive run in the South African Premier Division, later turning out for Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows.

At Kaizer Chiefs, Akpeyi became a fan favourite during the 2019/20 campaign, recording nine clean sheets, his best in a single season, and earning the Absa Premiership Player of the Month award for September and October.

Super Eagles star Daniel Akpeyi
Daniel Akpeyi of Nigeria celebrating Nigeria scoring to 3-2 during the 2019 African Cup of Nations match between Cameroon and Nigeria at the Alexanddria Stadium in Alexandria, Egypt. /CSM. Cameroon v Nigeria – 2019 African Cup of Nations. Photo by IMAGO

Internationally, Akpeyi represented Nigeria across multiple levels, featuring in squads for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, the 2014 African Nations Championship, and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped the Super Eagles secure bronze.





Source: Soccernet

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