Daniel Akpeyi recounts how he was almost died from Riyad Mahrez goal at 2019 Afcon

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria International, Daniel Akpeyi has recapped how he was almost killed for letting in Riyad Mahrez freekick goal at the 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations.

Akpeyi who was the goal custodian against Algeria in the semifinal of the 2019 AFCON conceded a late goal from a freekick executed by Mahrez at the edge of the 18 yard box. The goal came at the dearth of the game which gave the Algerians victory to the final.

Speaking about the incident, Akpeyi described Mahrez as the striker he dreaded most in football as he conceded a goal from the Manchester City player that almost ended his life.

The Moroka Swallows goal custodian described the goal s a brilliant one for other people but it was a life threatening situation for him.

“Riyad Mahrez is the player that has given me something I won’t forget because he scored me a very beautiful goal in the nations cup 2019 and I was almost killed by Nigerians for conceding that goal,” Akpeyi told Pai Media.

“It is just part of the game because he went on to score a whole lot of brilliant goals to other people but my case was a big story.”

Despite being recently left out of the fold, the 36 year old Super Eagles goalkeeper insists he is still open to national team invitation but is now fully focused on his club duties where he has an existing contract.

“I usually don’t focus on these things, I just play my game, when I get a call up it’s fine,” he continued.

“If am going to be there it’s fine but most importantly, I have to keep my focus on where I have a contract.”