Emem Eduok: Eagles call-up is my visa to Europe

This is your first call up to the senior national team, how happy are you?I am so delighted to be here with the big boys like Mikel Obi and Emmanuel Emenike. As a young player, I always look up to them. So for me to have the opportunity to see, interact and play with them […]

This is your first call up to the senior national team, how happy are you?
I am so delighted to be here with the big boys like Mikel Obi and Emmanuel Emenike. As a young player, I always look up to them. So for me to have the opportunity to see, interact and play with them is great motivatation.  Although I have played for the Flying Eagles, this is my first invitation to the senior team. So I am using this medium to thank Coach Stephen Keshi for giving the home players the opportunity to showcase their talents.
What would you say you are bringing to the national team?
I will always do my best. You know I have the talent to show the whole world that I am one of the best. I have something to offer and the national team too will offer me something to take back to my club. Already I have learnt a lot of things here.
If asked to start against Sudan, would you be overwhelmed?
That depends on the coach because I always do my best in the pitch. So the coach has the final say on who starts. I don’t think I will be overwhelmed because it is football that I would be asked to play. Having been to the junior World Cup, I think I have been exposed enough to handle any crowd.
What have you gained training with the foreign based players?
I have learned a lot of things because the football here is different from our league. The pace is much more here. Like I said earlier I have learnt a lot of things and my performance is not going to remain the same.
Do you mean Dolphins will benefit maximally from the experiences you have gained in the national camp?
Yeah, I have been learning a lot from the professionals. They have so many qualities to tap from. I am going back to Dolphins as a better player. My fans will see doing new things with the ball. I am going to be explosive. I’m going to use what I have seen here and heard here to make a difference.
You have mentioned some of the big players you are happy to meet in camp. How are they relating with upcoming players like you?
Everything is fine. All of us here are like a family. Even as we are home based players, they are showing us the respect we deserve. Most of them started as home based players so there is no need for discrimination.
Let me take you back a bit. You are sounding so confident but do you think you can step into Moses’ shoe?
Victors Moses’ shoe is no doubt big but let me say yes I can because I believe in the talents God has given to me. I know I can make a difference. So if I’m given a chance, I will try my best. I will make sure that Nigerians are proud of me.
Are you confident you will score against Sudan, if fielded?
My desire as a Striker is always to score goals and I can never stop scoring goals. So, that is my dream and I know I can do that for the team.
Do you think your invitation will boost your chances of getting a bigger club?
Yes, it will. You see it is not easy to get to this level. It has added a lot to me. Like I said, I have been to the U20 but here it is very different. It is the highest level in Nigeria so I am confident some of the big clubs in Nigeria and Europe will also give me a chance.
What are your targets for your club?
I want to lift the Federation Cup with Dolphins.  I want to help my club pick one of the continental tickets available. Before I came here, I have been doing well for the club. I have been scoring goals. And with the experience I have acquired here, I am going to score more goals.
As the League draws to the end, what is your goal target for the season?
Before the season started, I set a target of 15 goals for myself in only league matches and in Federation Cup I have five goals target. As you know, I have scored 12 goals in league matches. With the remaining matches, I know I can realise my target. Now, I am even planning to step the goals and break the record like scoring 22 goals. That is the new target I have set for myself. Having scored 12 goals with some matches left to be played, it is possible for me to score 15 goals. I have set myself a new target. I’m still aiming at five goals in Federation Cup.
Of your twelve goals, how many did you score from the spot?
I have never scored from the penalty spot. I always fight for the goals. I always go for it as a striker. I always believe that I can do it. So, it is not in my character to play penalties. I have never played any penalty to score goals.
What is your dream move?
I have Norway and Spain in mind but when it’s time, the whole world will hear of it. You will agree with me that most footballers’ dream is to play in Europe. As an upcoming player, my dream is to play in Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Would you say this will be your last season in the local league?
Actually yes, this should be my last season in the Nigerian league.
Any offer?
I have some but like I said, very soon, you will all be aware of it.