Daniel Akpeyi Biography: Age, Wife, Children & Net Worth

Daniel Akpeyi – Footballer

Daniel Akpeyi, born on August 3, 1986, is a Nigerian professional footballer known for his role as a goalkeeper. Currently, he plays for Moroka Swallows F.C. in South Africa. Let’s dive into the story of this remarkable athlete.

Club Career

Akpeyi’s journey in professional football began with Gabros International F.C. in 2005. After impressing, he was quickly promoted to the first team. In January 2007, he made a move to Nasarawa United F.C. where he became an undisputed starter, showcasing his talent and skills. His remarkable performance attracted attention, leading him to join Heartland F.C. for their 2010 CAF Champions League campaign. Once again, he became the first-choice goalkeeper for the team.

In February 2014, there was an announcement that he had left Heartland to join league rivals Warri Wolves. However, Heartland denied the move, stating they had no intention to sell their first-choice goalkeeper. But the deal was later confirmed, and Akpeyi officially joined Warri Wolves. He signed a two-year deal with Chippa in 2015.

In 2019, he signed with Kaizer Chiefs, nicknamed the Amakhosi. After Nigerian national team coach Gernot Rohr spoke highly of Akpeyi’s qualities, Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp ensured the Amakhosi management signed the Chippa United goalkeeper.

Akpeyi’s time at Kaizer Chiefs was marked by his outstanding performance. He managed to keep nine clean sheets in the league for Chiefs in the 2019/20 season. This remains the most clean sheets kept by a Chiefs goalkeeper in a league season since Itumeleng Khune kept 16 clean sheets in the 2017/18 league season. Akpeyi was also named Absa Premiership Player of the Month for September and October in 2019.

After being without a club in 2022, he was fancied by Sekhukhune United, but the deal failed to materialize.

International Career

Akpeyi has had a successful international career as well. He was a member of the Nigeria national under-20 football team at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. He was also in the 22-man squad before the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics but did not see action in either tournament. He was called up to the 23-man squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship as a backup to Chigozie Agbim.

On May 6, 2014, Akpeyi was named in the 30-man provisional squad ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He made his first full cap in 2015, called in for the friendly vs. South Africa as a replacement for an injured Vincent Enyeama. He saved a penalty and was lauded for his strong keeping in his Man of the Match performance.

He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics. In May 2018, he was named in Nigeria’s preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Akpeyi was included in the team’s final 23-man list for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He kept clean sheets in the team’s first two matches. In the final group match, Ikechukwu Ezenwa conceded twice in Nigeria’s 2–0 defeat to Madagascar. Akpeyi returned to the starting line-up in the round of 16 match against the indomitable lions of Cameroon, where he conceded 2 goals in his team’s 3-2 victory. He was also in goal in the team’s Quarter-Final victory over South Africa and their 2-1 Semi-Final loss to Algeria. Francis Uzoho was in goal for the third-place match against Tunisia.

On January 29, 2020, Akpeyi prolonged his agreement with the South African Premier Soccer League by signing a two-year contract that will retain him with the Amakhosi until June 2022. On December 25, 2021, he was selected by Nigeria interim coach Eguavoen as one of the 28-man squad final drafts for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Honors

Club

• Nigerian FA Cup: Winner 2011, 2012

International

• Summer Olympic Games: Bronze Medal, Brazil. 2016
• African Nations Cup: Bronze Medal, Egypt. 2019
• FIFA U-20 World Cup: Silver Medal, Holland. 2005

Daniel Akpeyi Personal Life

Akpeyi married his long-time girlfriend, Emmanuella Ebert-Kalu, in December 2016. In July 2018, they welcomed their first child, Prince Jason Akpeyi, who was born in Port Elizabeth. He is credited for founding the Daniel Akpeyi Children Empowerment Foundation (Dacef) in 2020. The non-profit organization aims to help develop Africa by providing quality education to underprivileged children.

Recently, the Dacef reached out to people in the locations of Gauteng, Johannesburg during the Covid19 worldwide lockdown. 

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Daniel Akpeyi Net Worth

Daniel Akpeyi is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs in the South African Premier Division and the Nigeria national team. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, accumulated from his successful football career, endorsements, and other business ventures. Akpeyi has had a remarkable career, representing Nigeria in several international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup, and has also played for top clubs in South Africa and Nigeria. You can find him on Instagram.