Former Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has voiced concern over the Super Eagles’ failure to keep clean sheets ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, SportPremi reports.
Eric Chelle’s side have enjoyed an impressive performance in Morocco so far, winning all three three matches in Group C.
They overpowered Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda to finish top of the group and remain one of the two teams with a 100% record, alongside Algeria.
The Super Eagles scored eight times during the group stage, a tournament high, but also conceded four times across the three matches.
Three of the four goals came in similar fashion, as defensive lapses in concentration allowed the opposition to break through easily and score.
- Check this out:
- Amas Obasogie backs Nigeria for glory at AFCON 2025
- Chidozie Awaziem talks up Nigeria’s chances at AFCON 2025
The three-time African champions have only kept two clean sheets in their last 10 outings in all competitions, and are without one in their last six, showing the need for improvement in their defence.
At the previous African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali announced himself to the continental scene after setting a record for the most minutes without conceding for the Super Eagles at the tournament.
Nigeria conceded only once during the group stage in Ivory Coast two years ago and did not concede during their round of 16 and quarterfinal victories over Cameroon and Angola.
This time around, they face Mozambique on the 5th of January, hoping to keep their first shutout at the tournament in Morocco.
Akpeyi concerned with Nigeria’s defence
Daniel Akpeyi who won bronze medal with Nigeria at the 2019 African Cup of Nations tournament, believes the team must improve on their poor defensive record to have an extended stay in Morocco.
“Unfortunately, it is something that they need to keep working on, because we can see the player there running into the pocket and getting the ball from there.
“It makes it difficult, so is everyone sleeping at the back? They have to observe when a player is making a run into that space”, a concerned Akpeyi admitted.
“This keeps reoccurring every now and then. I think Eric Chelle will go back to the drawing board and see how he can work on this team to make sure we don’t concede goals.”
What next for Nigeria?
Nigeria will face Mozambique, who finished third in their group, in their round of 16 clash next Monday hoping to advance to the next round.
The Super Eagles are overwhelming favourites to progress from the clash, as they continue their quest for a fourth African title.
They could go on to face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarterfinals, with Morocco lying in wait for a potential semifinal clash.
