Bulbwa: Fight for shirts will make us stronger

Bulbwa congratulations. How does it feel being an African champion?It feels really great. I can say I am feeling on top of the world because I longed for a moment like this. It was not easy but by the special grace of God, we came out tops in Senegal.Before the championship, were you so sure […]

Bulbwa congratulations. How does it feel being an African champion?
It feels really great. I can say I am feeling on top of the world because I longed for a moment like this. It was not easy but by the special grace of God, we came out tops in Senegal.
Before the championship, were you so sure the Flying Eagles would come out victorious?
I had no doubt that we were going to win the championship. That was why we promised Nigerians that we would return with the trophy. If we were not confident, we wouldn’t have made such promise.
Your goal gave Flying Eagles victory over Senegal in the finals and many people are still talking about the ‘wonder goal’. You must be in cloud nine?
Yeah I am so happy that God used me to give my team that victory but I do not want to take away the credit that belongs to the whole team. It was team work. And if the goal is highly rated, I feel honoured. Personally, I am used to scoring such goals so it did not come to me as a surprise.
You must be satisfied with your performance in Senegal. Any plans to do even better?
There is always room for improvement. I tried to do my best for the team and I scored the goal that gave us the title but I have to keep working hard.
Do you think your performance in Senegal is enough to land you a place in the team for the World Cup?
It is too early to conclude. Many people believe we did well in Senegal but the coaches have continued to remind us that nobody has automatic shirt as far as the World Cup is concerned. So I can tell you that it is now that the fight for shirts will commence. I will keep doing my best to be part of the World Cup team. I missed out on the 2013 FIFA U17 party so I want to be in New Zealand, God willing.
Do you think the present Flying Eagles squad is good enough to win the 2015 World Cup?
I cannot say we are set for the World Cup. There is still so much to be done. I believe more players will come into the team before the World Cup. Don’t forget players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Success Isaac, Musa Yahaya, Wilfred Ndidi and Chidibere Nwakili were not in Senegal and would be coming to fight for shirt. If they are picked by the coaches, I am sure they would make the team stronger.
With your performance in Senegal, many Nigerians are wondering why you are not playing for at least a club in the domestic league. What is happening?
I would have been playing for one of the clubs but my manager is not interested in me playing. When I dropped out of the U-17 I wanted to join the league and tried to talk to him that I wanted to sign for a Nigerian club but he was not interested. This is why I am not playing for any Nigerian club.
So your eyes are set on a professional career in Europe….
That is what I am praying for. My dream is to play in Europe. My manager Mr. Franklin lives in the US. He is helping me get a club in Europe. He is talking sto clubs but I have to play my part. I have to give him a good product to market.
Could you narrate your experience when you did not attend the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup?
It wasn’t easy.  I played all the qualifying matches and the Nations Cup in Morocco, yet I did not go to the World Cup. It was devastating. It was a painful experience.  I learnt a lot from that experience. I was deserted by friends. People who were calling me stopped calling and some refused to pick my calls. They thought it was over. Now the same people are coming back to me. However, some stayed by me and advised me to keep on and I am now back.
Were you surprised that even without key players like you, the Golden Eaglets won the World Cup in UAE?
Not really but I was a bit surprised because the team wasn’t as strong as when we were in the team. Eaglets lost players like Ibrahim Alhassan, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Ifeanyi Mathew, Wilfred Ndidi, Izu Omego and myself but still won the World Cup. That was what surprised me about the team. But I never doubted the ability of the other players. I must say the coaches did very well. They worked hard to get the team back in the groove.
How did you start your football career?
I started in Gboko town right from when I was very small. It was a deep passion. I remember my dad used to buy me balls. I could not do without playing. There was a time I broke my two hands and I went to the field to play and they said you cannot play like this, just go back home and I was there crying. Each time I meet people who knew me then, they remind me of how I started. They say I was small but determined to play football.
Did you have any role model when you started?
I did not have any prominent role model. All I did was to look up to people around me and not too far away from me. I mean local players in Gboko who could play very well. I tried to do things they did that impressed me. I still remember one guy called Ochoga. Anytime he played 5-aside football, he impressed me.
Could you describe your strength as a player?
Well it is said I can carry the ball very well. In addition, I am good at taking on opponents and like shooting at any given chance.
How do you relax when you are not playing?
I play games on my phone. I also read the Bible and other books that can inspire me and teach me lessons of life.
How much have you gained by playing football?
Honestly, I have gained a lot. Football has taken me to places. I have travelled round the world. Football has given me life. Football is my life. I keep asking myself where I would have been without football.
Your family must be proud of your achievement so far. How much support do you get from your family?
My dad is now late but my mum is alive. She is an old woman but she calls to tell me that she watched me on television. She keeps telling me you are getting bigger. I have a good mum. Each time I send her money, she would say that it is enough and I say mum, I have not even started and you are okay?