At 38, Daniel Akpeyi, the veteran Nigerian goalkeeper, is showing no signs of calling time on his illustrious football journey. Despite limited opportunities on the pitch in recent months, Akpeyi remains undeterred, fueling speculation about his future with an inspiring message of resilience.

The former Super Eagles star, who last featured for South African side Marumo Gallants, has faced a challenging season. His last outing, a tough match against Mamelodi Sundowns in September, saw him concede three goals before being substituted. Since then, injuries and form have kept him sidelined, leaving him to watch from the bench as Gallants struggle defensively.

In the midst of these challenges, Akpeyi took to Instagram to share a video compilation of his best saves, showcasing highlights from his days with the Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs. Captioned “Joy is coming,” the post struck a chord with fans and former teammates alike.

South African legend and Akpeyi’s former Kaizer Chiefs teammate, Itumeleng Khune, was among those who reacted, resharing the video with the caption: “One of the best to grace our shores. Respect, Papa D.” Akpeyi warmly responded, “Skipper, you are simply the best. Big love.”

Reports suggest Akpeyi’s time at Marumo Gallants may be coming to an end, as he has struggled to cement a place in the starting lineup. Despite this, his career remains decorated, with 18 caps for Nigeria and a bronze medal from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he served as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper.

Akpeyi hasn’t donned the national team jersey since the 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs against Ghana, but his recent post signals that he’s not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. For Akpeyi, the message is clear: his journey isn’t over, and “joy” is still on the horizon.