Bobby: FC Taraba will pull down Pillars in Kano

You were not part of the team that lost 0-1 to Enyimba on Wednesday. What happened?Actually when we returned from our last away match against Bayelsa United, I went down with fever. I did everything to recover before our match against Enyimba but it did not work out for me. I was injected by the […]

You were not part of the team that lost 0-1 to Enyimba on Wednesday. What happened?
Actually when we returned from our last away match against Bayelsa United, I went down with fever. I did everything to recover before our match against Enyimba but it did not work out for me. I was injected by the team doctor but there was no serious improvement. Since it was not possible to play with such a condition, I was out of the match. I can say my absence affected the team. We were compelled to play a lone striker and the guy has not been playing regularly for the team. He joined us from Plateau United this season and most of the players do not understand his style of play. Moreover, he was not fit enough to handle the responsibility alone. So the team really missed me against Enyimba.
What difference would you have made?
Seriously, had it been I played, Enyimba would have been in trouble. It would have been difficult if not impossible for them to escape defeat in Jalingo. I was the one that destroyed them last season and I would have done it again. Remember that was my first season in the topflight and now that I am playing my second season with more experience to show for it, I would have done something remarkable.
Your next match is against champions Kano Pillars. Won’t the home loss affect the morale of the players going into this high profile encounter?
No the defeat is not going to demoralise us. We have put it behind and are looking forward to the encounter against Pillars. They are the reigning champions but we are going to Kano to beat them. We want to do what we did against Akwa United. We defeated Akwa United in their home and we can do the same against Pillars. It is not going to be easy but with determination, we shall do it. We shall shock Pillars in Kano come Sunday.
What gives you this confidence? Remember last season Kano Pillars defeated FC Taraba 3-1.
Yes we lost that match due to the early red card that was given to our goalkeeper. You remember he was at his best and if he had stayed, we would have dealt with Pillars. That red card against Richard Ochayi so early in the match demoralised and disorganised us. In addition, the referee did not help matters when he awarded the controversial first goal to Pillars. He was not supposed to allow the goal because we were expecting fair play but Ezekiel Mba kicked the ball into the net and he accepted the goal. We were all confused. Although we pushed hard, there was nothing we could do.
What is FC Taraba’s target this season?
Yeah we have a target for the season. Last season our target was to remain in the league but this time our target is to get a continental ticket. Although the condition of things here is not encouraging, we are going to keep doing our best. Salaries are not coming as and when due but we hope that things will get better.
What is your appeal to the sponsors of the club?
We need to be motivated. When salaries and match bonuses are not paid, players get demoralised. We are professionals and our families depend on us. I hope that the incoming government will come to our aid. Our welfare needs to be improved upon. I am sure the people of Taraba who love football so much will also prevail on government to give us more attention.
Most people thought by now you will be playing for a bigger club in the NPL. Why are you still playing for FC Taraba?
Seriously last year after our match against Kano Pillars, their coach approached me and my co-striker Tochukwu. I did not go but Tochukwu went and even lifted the trophy with them. I did not go because that would have been disastrous for FC Taraba. At that moment, only two of us were available. The other attacker, Luter Iyorhe, a former Lobi and Sharks player was out with injury. Had it been I went with Tochukwu, FC Taraba would have been without a reliable striker. So I had to stay back.  
So when do you hope to leave FC Taraba?
I know I cannot play for the club forever but I want to leave FC Taraba when they are comfortable on the table. I don’t just want to leave. I want to leave a legacy for the club that brought me to limelight. It is good to show gratitude.
How did you start your football career?
I am Idoma from Ogbadibo Local Government in Benue state. I started my football club career with my local government club. I played amateur football for them when I was schooling in Benue State Polytechnic Ugbokolo. From there I moved to Adamawa State to join my mother who is from that state. She works in Yola. So I went to spend time with her and later joined Adamawa United. The Chairman of FC Taraba, Tijani Babangida, a former Nigerian international saw me and invited me over to the club. I went and after mutual discussion, I agreed to join them. In my first season, I helped the club to gain promotion to the premier league.
How much support did you enjoy from your parents when you decided to play professional football?
 My parents, especially my mum encouraged me seriously. She used to buy my kits. She is a police officer and when people said this your boy does not want to go to school, she would say no problem, he is going to make me proud. And I am going to make her smile.
Sometime last year you were invited to the Flying Eagles but you did not last long. What happened?
After our match against Gombe United in Bauchi, I was invited by Coach Manu Garba to the Flying Eagles camp and I did my best. In my first training, I scored two goals against Sunday Alampasu. After that training, I scored again but I was eventually dropped. However, I did not feel bad because the coach knew the calibre of players he was looking for. I was happy that I had the opportunity to train with the national team. I know that if I keep working hard, one day I will represent Nigeria.
Are you therefore encouraged by Keshi’s promise to keep giving chances to local players to represent the country?
Oh yes, I am highly encouraged. I am eager and hoping to play for the Super Eagles.  If I am invited, it will be a dream come true for me. It is the dream of every player to play for his country so I will give my hundred and fifty per cent, if there is anything like that.
Who is your role model?
My role model is Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. Even before you ask me, let me go on and tell you that I am an Arsenal fan. It’s the club I have been supporting right from childhood.
Is Arsenal your dream club?
Yes, my dream club is also Arsenal so if I am opportune to play for the club, I will be happy. But if I am to play against Arsenal tomorrow, I will make sure I score against them.