Akpeyi: I am not bothered by criticism… Says he is ready to fight for World cup place 

Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has said he is not bothered by any criticism but determined to push for his place in Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr’s 23- man squad for the Russia 2018 World Cup .

The South Africa- based keeper has been the subject of intense criticism after his blunders against South Africa in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier – which Bafana Bafana won 2- 0 in Uyo on June 10 – and in the friendly game against Argentina in Russia November 14 won 4- 2 by Nigeria .

Rohr is facing goalkeeping crisis with first choice keeper Carl Ikeme firmly out of the World Cup as he is undergoing treatment for acute leukaemia after being diagnosedwith the illness in July .

Reports claim Akpeyi does not feature prominently in the German manager ’s World Cup plans as he is said to be focusing on Ezenwa , Deportivo La Coruna keeper Francis Uzoho and Ajiboye for the World Cup

However, Akpeyi , 31, insists he has been working hard for a place in Rohr ’s Russia 2018 squad, saying he is not discouraged by criticsm .

“ I am not competing with any goalkeeper in the team ,” the Chippa United custodian was quoted by scorenigeria.com as saying on Thursday.

“ I am grateful to the coach for inviting me and also giving me an opportunity to play .

“ Nigeria have good keepers waiting for this opportunity ; if anyone deserves it let him play and let’s support him so that we can have a formidablenteam for the World Cup and come back with a good result . ”

Former Warri Wolves keeper said he would not criticise any player in a bid to make the trip to Russia. 
He said , “ You don’ t have talk me down with stories or lie against me on the pages of newspapers because you need to promote someone .

“ I didn’ t come this far in my career by a 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.