Meet PSL’s lone ranger at World Cup
Chippa keeper lone PSL hope
Chippa United and Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has expressed optimism that he will make the final cut for his national team ahead of next month’s Fifa World Cup in Russia.
Akpeyi is the only PSL player in line for selection for the global spectacle.
The Super Eagles are in Group D alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.
The 31-year-old has had a satisfactory season for the Chilli Boys where he has conceded 16 goals in 22 league games.
The club has depended on his experience and he has only missed seven games this season, with Chippa still in with a chance of a top-eight finish.
The Port Elizabeth-based outfit is eighth on the Absa Premiership log with 36 points after seven wins, 15 draws and seven losses.
“We will see what the [Nigeria] coach decides. I just have to do my best and the man above will do the rest,” Akpeyi said.
“As a spiritual person I have to have faith that I can make it. There is only so much I can do as a person but I have been praying about it.”
Nigeria’s German-born coach Gernot Rohr is expected to announce his 34-man squad this week for the tournament that is starting on June 14.
The battle for the number one jersey has not been easy as Akpeyi has had to compete with Ikechukwu Ezenwa of Ifeanyi Ubah (Nigeria) and Francis Uzoho, who plays for RC Desportivo Fabril (Spain).
Former Warri Wolves stopper Akpeyi says it would be a dream come true to get selected after some at home had written him off.