Akpeyi not moved by criticism, eyes World Cup squad
Super Eagles goalie, Daniel Akpeyi, has vowed he will continue to work hard and improve on his craft in order to make Nigeria’s Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup squad in spite of harsh criticism against him.
The Chippa United shot-stopper has been the subject of intense criticism after his blunders against South Africa in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that led to a 2-0 loss in Uyo last June, and in the friendly game against Argentina in November won 4-2 by Nigeria.
And with few other goalkeeper options for the team’s manager, Gernot Rohr, reports in some quarters claim there is a high chance of Akpeyi missing in the final 23-man squad for the World Cup, but the player says he is not moved by critics.
“I am not competing with any goalkeeper in the team. I am grateful to the coach for extending invitation to me and also giving me an opportunity to play,” the former Flying Eagles goalkeeper said.
“Nigeria have good goalkeepers waiting for this opportunity, if anyone deserves it let him play and let’s support him so that we can have a formidable team for the World Cup and come back with good results.”
He went further to say: “I didn’t come this far in my career by mistake even though I wasn’t given a chance to get here; but I was positive about myself and I worked hard for it and with God’s grace I reached the level I am today.
“I haven’t reached my mark yet, yes, I made some mistakes; some of the world’s best goalkeepers have made worst slips, but they didn’t quit because they were criticized and condemned, they fought through it to become the best they are today. So, I’m not exceptional, I will keep fighting.”
Nigeria will play Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the group stages of the World Cup finals in Russia this summer.
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Akpeyi not moved by criticism, eyes World Cup squad
Reviewed by Unknown
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February 23, 2018
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Reviewed by Unknown
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February 23, 2018
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