Akpeyi Cost Nigeria AFCON Loss – Rohr

By Akinwale Kasali

Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr has, finally, broken his silence 74 days after the 2019 African Cup of Nations Championship in Egypt ended.

Rohr revealed that Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, was to blame for Nigeria’s semi final  loss to the Desert Warriors of Algeria.

Nigeria lost 2-1 to the Algerians in the dying seconds of the match, after Ishmael Bennaccer was fouled, close to the the 18-yard box of the Super Eagles by Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi.

The resultant free-kick was converted by Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, to break the heart of Nigerians who had dreamed of a final match against the Teranga Lions of Senegal in Cairo, Egypt.

Rohr said Akpeyi failed to stay behind the wall which led to the goal, despite his players showing every determination to save the ball from ending behind the net.

“Henry Onyekuru even threw himself on the ground to save the ball, but Akpeyi failed to do his part by staying behind the wall. It was really sad”, the Franco-German tactician said.

This revelation was made by Rohr during an interview with a German newspaper.

Since the AFCON third place finish by Nigeria, Rohr has not invited Akpeyi for any match involving the Super Eagles, as new prodigy, Maduka Okoye has replaced the Kaizer Chief’s football club goal tender in the Super Eagles fold.