'He didn't do that badly' - Former Super Eagles GK Akpeyi defends Abuja-born forward after Canada draw

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has insisted Tani Oluwaseyi did not perform poorly in Canada's 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday night despite the Abuja-born forward failing to mark his World Cup debut with a goal.

The Villarreal star attempted two shots with one on target, while making two key passes and winning a team-high five aerial duels in 75 minutes of action.

After Jovo Lukic's 21st-minute headed opener, Oluwaseyi had a golden opportunity to bring Canada level but failed to capitalise, sending his effort over the bar despite having ample time and space inside the box.

Oluwaseyi made a lively start to the second half, producing a fine Cruyff turn before seeing his goal-bound header blocked by Nikola Katic.

His inability to convert those chances drew attention, particularly after Cyle Larin replaced him and netted the equalizer.

Akpeyi believes Oluwaseyi's overall display should not be judged solely on his missed chances.

"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 during his post-match analysis on SuperSport, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

"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.

"It could have been the same story with Oluwaseyi when Oluwaseyi was on, but the coach knows better.

"It could have been that maybe during the preparation before this game, he must have seen Oluwaseyi do better than what Cyle came in to do now."

Oluwaseyi was born in Nigeria to Nigerian parents and became cap-tied to Canada after featuring in the 2024 Copa América.