Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has defended Tani Oluwaseyi’s performance in Canada’s 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that the Abuja-born forward did not play poorly despite failing to score on his World Cup debut. The match, played on Friday night, saw Oluwaseyi start for Canada and deliver an active performance, including two shots with one on target, two key passes, and a team-high five aerial duels in 75 minutes. Akpeyi’s comments came during his post-match analysis on SuperSport, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, where he stressed that judging a player solely on missed chances is unfair.
Oluwaseyi had a clear opportunity to equalize in the first half after Jovo Lukic opened the scoring with a header in the 21st minute. He found himself with time and space inside the box but sent his shot over the bar, a moment that drew criticism. However, he continued to show promise, particularly in the second half, where he executed a fine Cruyff turn and saw a goal-bound header blocked by defender Nikola Katic. His efforts were notable, yet he was substituted before the final whistle, with Cyle Larin coming on to score the equalizer moments later.
Akpeyi pointed out that Larin’s success after coming on should not overshadow Oluwaseyi’s contributions. “Oluwaseyi didn’t do that badly. It’s just that he couldn’t put those balls in the net, whipping the ball over the bar,” Akpeyi said. He added that the difference in outcomes was due to chance conversion, not overall performance. “That made a bit of difference when Cyle Larin came in. He was able to take his chances, and that made it look like it could have been better if he started.” Akpeyi also noted that the coach likely had reasons for his selection, possibly based on training observations before the match.
Born in Nigeria to Nigerian parents, Oluwaseyi became eligible to represent Canada after playing in the 2024 Copa América. His international journey reflects the growing trend of Nigerian-born players making their mark abroad, especially in top-tier leagues and global tournaments. His inclusion in Canada’s World Cup squad highlights his rising stature in international football. Akpeyi’s support underscores the importance of patience and perspective in evaluating young talent under pressure.
As Canada continues its World Cup campaign, Oluwaseyi’s role may evolve based on form and fitness. His performance, though not goal-laden, demonstrated resilience and technical ability. With more opportunities, he could become a key figure for Canada’s attacking line. The future for Nigerian-born players in global football remains bright, and Oluwaseyi’s journey is one to watch closely.
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