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.

Akpeyi’s World Cup  place  could be under threat after Rohr was impressed by  Dele Ajiboye’s  performance at the 2018 African Nations Championship in Morocco.

Ajiboye made some  brave saves to help Nigeria  reach the  CHAN  final after coming on for first choice goalkeeper Ikechukwu  Ezenwa, who was injured in  the semifinal against Sudan.

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 diagnosed with 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 formidable team for the World Cup and come back with a good result.