Akpeyi urges Super Eagles to tighten defence ahead of AFCON knockout stage

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has urged Nigeria to address their defensive lapses as they prepare for the knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Despite emerging as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the group stage, scoring eight goals, the Super Eagles’ defensive performance has raised concerns.

Nigeria conceded four goals in the group phase and failed to keep a clean sheet in all three matches.

Speaking on SuperSport, Akpeyi pointed out that recurring defensive errors could prove costly as the competition intensifies.

“Unfortunately, it is something they need to keep working on. We can see players running into pockets of space and receiving the ball freely. It makes things difficult,” Akpeyi said.

The former international specifically referenced a goal conceded against Uganda, questioning the team’s awareness and coordination at the back.

“Is everyone sleeping at the back? They need to observe when a player is making a run into that space,” he added.

Akpeyi noted that the issue has been persistent and believes the coaching crew must urgently address it ahead of the knockout matches.

“This keeps recurring every now and then. I think the coach will go back to the drawing board and work on the team to make sure we don’t concede goals,” he said.

The Super Eagles will face Mozambique in the Round of 16, with the Southern African side advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.