Veteran Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has issued a sobering assessment of Nigeria’s faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, drawing inspiration from the rise of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

At 38, Akpeyi has seen it all — from Nigeria’s highs on the continental stage to his enduring career in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, where he currently plays for Marumo Gallants. Now, from his vantage point in South Africa, he has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s lack of structure and team cohesion.

“The standings don’t lie,” Akpeyi told FARPost. “South African football is ahead — not just in points but in identity. They’ve built a team, not just a squad of talented individuals.”

Indeed, while South Africa leads Group C with 13 points from six matches, Nigeria lags in fourth place with just seven points. Benin and Rwanda sit ahead, and only Zimbabwe trails the Super Eagles.

Akpeyi believes the success of South Africa under coach Hugo Broos stems from a clear vision and a deep-rooted football culture built on teamwork and a strong domestic league — something Nigeria has yet to replicate.

“Nigeria has the talent, but we often play as individuals, not as a unit,” he noted. “In South Africa, every player plays for the badge, not themselves. That’s the big difference.”

Despite his disappointment, Akpeyi remains hopeful. “We could be like Bafana Bafana,” he insisted, “if we commit to playing as a team. It’s time to rebuild, not just criticize.”

As the road to 2026 grows steeper for Nigeria, Akpeyi’s words may serve as a wake-up call — or a roadmap — for a football nation at a crossroads.