Daniel Akpeyi (born August 3, 1996) is a talented professional footballer from Nigeria. He plays as a goalkeeper for a football club in South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs, and also for the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles.
Early Life
Daniel Akpeyi was born on the 3rd of August, 1996, in Nnewi, a city in Anambra State, which falls in the southeastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. He grew up in Anambra State, where he had most of his educational background.
Career
Professional Career
In January 2007, Akpeyi signed a contract with Nasarawa United F.C. after beginning his professional career with Gabros International F.C. He had previously been promoted to the first team in 2005.
In the 2010 CAF Champions League, Akpeyi was once again the player of choice for Heartland F.C. It was claimed that he departed Heartland in February 2014 to sign with league rivals Warri Wolves, however a few days later, Heartland denied the claim in a public statement, claiming that they had no plans to unload their main goalie.
The next month, the agreement was again finalized, and Akpeyi joined Warri Wolves. In 2015, he signed a two-year contract with Chippa. In 2019, he joined Kaizer Chiefs.
International Career
Despite being a member of Nigeria’s 22-man roster before the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Akpeyi did not participate in either event. He was also chosen to fill up the 23-man roster for the 2014 African Nations Championship as Chigozie Agbim’s backup.
On May 6, 2014, Akpeyi was a part of the 30-man provisional squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. After being called up to replace an injured Vincent Enyeama in the exhibition game against South Africa, he earned his first official cap in 2015. He was recognized for his superb defending and for saving a penalty during his Man of the Match performance.
In 2016, he was selected by Nigeria for their 35-person preliminary Olympic team. He was one of the first 30 members of Nigeria’s roster for the May 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Akpeyi was a member of the team’s final 23-man roster for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He had two shutouts in the team’s first two games. In the final game of the group, Nigeria fell to Madagascar 2-0 thanks to two goals conceded by Ikechukwu Ezenwa. Akpeyi returned to the starting lineup in the round of 16 matchups against Cameroon, where he allowed 2 goals in his team’s 3 – 2 victory.
By signing a two-year contract on January 29, 2020, Akpeyi extended his deal with the South African Premier Soccer League and committed to playing with the Amakhosi until June 2022. He was chosen on December 25, 2021, as one of the final 28 players for Nigeria interim coach Eguavoen’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations team.
Personal Career
Daniel Akpeyi is happily married with one male child named Prince Jason Akpeyi, who was born in 2018. The name of his wife is Emmanuella Ebert-Kalu. The couple got married in December 2016.
Honors
Club
- Nigerian FA Cup: Winner 2011, 2012
International
- 2019: African Nations Cup: Bronze Medal, Egypt.
- 2016: Summer Olympic Games: Bronze Medal, Brazil.
- 2005: FIFA U-20 World Cup: Silver Medal, Holland.
Influence & Impact
The non-profit Daniel Akpeyi Children Empowerment Foundation (Dacef), established in 2020, is credited as being formed by Daniel Akpeyi. The foundation’s mission is to support Africa’s development by assisting underprivileged kids in receiving a high-quality education. The DACEF recently made contact with residents of Johannesburg and Gauteng during the Covid19 global lockdown.
Net Worth
According to the analysis made from different sources online, Daniel Akpeyi has an estimated net worth of $1 million. He actualized his wealth from his football career.
