Latest News
Akpe Victory sets Swiss Super League defensive standard after nine games
Akpe Victory has emerged as the Swiss Super League’s leading player for interceptions and blocked shots after making an impressive start to his first season with FC Basel.
The 20-year-old centre-back has completed all nine of the club’s league fixtures, playing every minute for a total of 810 minutes. He has also contributed one goal and one assist.
Victory has made 22 interceptions, the highest figure in the division. His ability to cut out opposition passes and recover possession has helped him establish himself among the league’s standout defenders.
FC Zurich defender Lindrit Kamberi is second in the interceptions standings with 21, followed by Lugano’s Antonios Papadopoulos on 19. FC Thun’s Jan Bamert has made 18, while Servette’s Pedro Naressi and Sion’s Noe Sow have each recorded 17.
Victory also tops the Swiss Super League rankings for blocked shots, having prevented 18 efforts. That is five more than Servette’s Steve Rouiller.
He is narrowly behind Kamberi in the tackling statistics. The FC Zurich defender leads with 86 tackles, while Victory has made 85 after nine matchdays.
His form at FC Basel has earned international recognition, with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle including the defender in a 24-man squad for the forthcoming friendly against Russia.
Victory is scheduled to have the opportunity to make his international debut on Tuesday, October 6, when the Super Eagles meet Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
According to allnigeriasoccer.com, his selection follows a productive opening spell with the Swiss club, where his defensive numbers have placed him ahead of a number of established players in the division.