Daniel Akpeyi

2.1. Career in Nigeria

Akpeyi began his professional journey with Gabros International F.C., being promoted to their first team in 2005. In January 2007, he moved to Nasarawa United F.C., where he quickly established himself as an undisputed starter. His career continued with a move to Heartland F.C. for their 2010 CAF Champions League campaign, once again securing the first-choice goalkeeper role. In February 2014, it was announced that Akpeyi would be joining league rivals Warri Wolves. Although Heartland initially denied this transfer, stating they had no intention of selling their primary goalkeeper, the deal was officially confirmed the following month, and Akpeyi played for Warri Wolves until 2015.

2.2. Career in South Africa

In 2015, Akpeyi transitioned to South African football, signing a two-year contract with Chippa United. After four years with Chippa United, he moved to Kaizer Chiefs, affectionately known as the Amakhosi, in 2019. His debut for Kaizer Chiefs took place on February 8, 2019, in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium. The decision to sign Akpeyi was influenced by Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp, who consulted with Nigerian national team coach Gernot Rohr regarding Akpeyi's goalkeeping qualities.

During the 2019/20 season, Akpeyi demonstrated strong form, keeping nine clean sheets in the league for Kaizer Chiefs. This marked the highest number of clean sheets by a Chiefs goalkeeper in a league season since Itumeleng Khune recorded sixteen in the 2017/18 season. His impressive performances also earned him the Absa Premiership Player of the Month award for September and October 2019. On January 29, 2020, Akpeyi extended his contract with Kaizer Chiefs for an additional two years, securing his stay with the club until June 2022. Following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs, he was without a club in 2022, and a potential transfer to Sekhukhune United did not materialize. Akpeyi currently plays as a goalkeeper for Marumo Gallants.

3.1. Youth and Olympic career

Akpeyi was a member of the Nigeria national under-20 football team that participated in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship held in the Netherlands. Although he was part of the 22-man squad for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, he did not see action in either tournament. He was also called up to the 23-man squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship, serving as a backup goalkeeper to Chigozie Agbim. Furthermore, Akpeyi was selected for Nigeria's 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

3.2. Senior career

Akpeyi earned his first full international cap for Nigeria in 2015, stepping in for the injured Vincent Enyeama during a friendly match against South Africa. In this debut, he notably saved a penalty and was lauded for his strong goalkeeping, earning him the Man of the Match award.

In May 2018, he was named in Nigeria's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and was subsequently included in the final 23-man roster. He was also part of the team's final 23-man list for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. During this tournament, Akpeyi kept clean sheets in Nigeria's first two matches. While Ikechukwu Ezenwa played in the final group match where Nigeria suffered a 2-0 defeat to Madagascar, Akpeyi returned to the starting lineup for the Round of 16 match against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. In that game, he conceded two goals, but Nigeria secured a 3-2 victory. He was also in goal for the team's quarter-final victory over South Africa and their 2-1 semi-final loss to Algeria. Francis Uzoho was the goalkeeper for the third-place match against Tunisia. On December 25, 2021, Nigeria's interim coach Augustine Eguavoen selected Akpeyi as one of the 28 players for the final squad of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.