- Super Eagles goalie Daniel Akpeyi conceded a late goal scored by Riyad Mahrez
- The 32-year-old goalie has now explained how bad he felt conceding at the death
Nigeria's Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has stated clearly that he felt so sad in conceding Riyad Mahrez's late goal which gave Algeria the win in AFCON 2019 semifinal.
Striker Odion Ighalo had cancelled out Troost Ekong’s own goal via a penalty and football fans were preparing for the match to be dragged into extra time.
But Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi committed a foul at the death of the added time which gave Algeria a free kick and scored by Manchester City man Riyad Mahrez.
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Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi was however criticized on social media since Sunday night, July 14, and the 32-year-old has responded.
”It is very tough, it is very sad that we have to lose in such a manner and I was beaten by that kind of free-kick, it’s something that I wish I can replay but it is over now.
”It doesn’t matter whatever anyone will say about the team, these players have actually tried, a lot of teams have been knocked out of the tournament but the Nigeria team is still here.
”We have young talents so I am very sure if this team can be given a chance we’ll be able to fix things together. So far we have done well,'' Akpeyi explained according to Brila FM.
Meanwhile, Nigeria still have the chance to be decorated at the AFCON 2019 if they should beat Tunisia in the third place match.
Nigeria were looking for a win so as to fight for their fourth AFCON title, but they suffered 2-1 defeat as Riyad Mahrez scored the winner for Algeria at the death.
Algeria will now face Senegal in the final of the 2019 African Nations Cup as the Teranga Lions beat Tunisia 1-0 in their own semifinal match.