Murphy Akanji (born 1 December 1977) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He most notably played for Sliema Wanderers in the Maltese Football League between 2001 and 2008, and represented the Nigeria national team at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 and 2002.
Club career
Akanji joined Sliema Wanderers from Julius Berger in August 2001, and aspired to make an impression and rapidly travel to a better club in a more significant European league. He was one of the best goalkeepers in the Maltese Premier League throughout his time with the club, although he often mixed flashes of brilliance with beginners' mistakes, making consistency his main flaw.[1] In both 2005–06 and 2006–07 seasons, Akanji won the Goalkeeper of the Year award.[2][3]
International career
Akanji was an international goalkeeper and has represented Nigeria at the African Nations Cup.
Honours
Julius Berger
- Nigeria Professional Football League: 2000
- Nigerian Super Cup: 2000
Sliema Wanderers
Nigeria
- Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2000,[7] third place: 2002[8]
Individual
- Maltese Premier League Goalkeeper of the Year: 2005–06,[2] 2006–07[3]
References
- ^ a b Azzopardi, Kevin (22 May 2003). "Akanji eyeing great finish". Times of Malta. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ a b "Four Birkirkara Players and coach win top football awards". The Malta Independent. 8 June 2006. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ a b "Bogdanovic secures double". Times of Malta. 10 June 2007. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ "Malta 2003/04". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ "Malta 2004/05". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ "FA Trophy". MaltaFootball.com. Archived from the original on 26 November 2009.
- ^ "African Nations Cup 2000". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 3 December 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
- ^ "African Nations Cup 2002". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
External links
- Murphy Akanji at MaltaFootball.com (archived 26 October 2007)
- Murphy Akanji at National-Football-Teams.com
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