By Wale Mustapha
Veteran Nigerian goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has been released by South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Marumo Gallants following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
Akpeyi is among nine players deemed surplus to requirements by the club, which announced a squad overhaul as it prepares for the new campaign.
The 38-year-old shot-stopper joined Marumo Gallants on a free transfer ahead of the season and made seven league appearances. His time at the club was brief, but he brought significant experience to the squad.
Akpeyi has spent the majority of his professional career in South Africa, following his departure from the Nigerian league. He previously featured for Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs, and Moroka Swallows in the PSL.
A former Super Eagles international, Akpeyi earned over 20 caps for Nigeria and was part of the squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
It remains unclear whether the former Nigeria No.1 will continue his playing career or consider retirement after more than a decade at the top level.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
