Super Eagles great Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha has hailed the importance of Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to the Nigerian national team set-up.

The 35-year-old was one of four goalkeepers named in the Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Maduka Okoye, Francsi Uzoho and John Noble Barinyima.

The Amakhosi shotshopper is yet to appear at this edition of the Afcon tournament and has only been on the bench twice.

Okocha believes the current competition for a starting goalkeeping berth will benefit the national team.

“Daniel is a very important player for the squad. He only lost his place through injury and it shows how strong the whole squad is because once you miss out because of injury it is always difficult to get back for a goalkeeper. We believe we have a great squad and we have people like Daniel we can rely on if needed,” Okocha told www.kaizerchiefs.com.

“It is a plus for us as the keeper’s role is very important. And it is important to have someone you can rely on if your defence is breached. I am happy that we have a happy competition in our goalkeeping department and it is a plus for any coach.”

The Super Eagles are sitting pretty at the top of the Group D standings with six points, having beaten Egypt and Sudan in their first two group-stage matches.

“I am delighted and happy because we need to start these kinds of tournaments on a good note. We played really, really well. The whole squad showed that we are well prepared. Every player in the squad is important. The ones who came in took over from those who started. It was a fantastic game for us,” he added.

“It’s always important to show your intentions coming up against one of the favourites. It was the first game and it was important that we started on a good note.”