South African club, Chippa United, is “proud” to see their goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, represent Nigeria at this summer’s Rio Olympic football event.
Akpeyi, 29, joined the Chilli Boys in 2015 from Nigeria Professional Football League side, Warri Wolves.
He has since seen his value and reputation catapult and also become a regular with the Super Eagles.
The former Heartland shot-stopper alongside, John Obi Mikel, were selected as two over aged players in Samson Siasia’s 18-man squad to the showpiece.
And the modest ABSA Premiership side, who are based in Port Elizabeth, feel honoured to have one of their own in Rio.
“He left on Saturday and the chairman, the coach and everyone in the team wished him well,” Chippa communications manager, Luthando Zibeko, told KickOff on Tuesday.
“He’s one of the players who work very hard and we’re proud of him.
“Him going to the Olympics is going to inspire each and every player at Chippa United.
“He was with the team for a week and a half, he was training with us. So the week and a half did him a world of good in terms of understanding his teammates.”
Akpeyi is likely to start in goal for the Dream Team VI ahead of regular first choice, Daniel Emmanuel.
Nigeria will face Japan, Colombia and Sweden in Group B at the tournament.
