Enyeama, Ejide stopped my Eagles dream-Bassey Akpan
It is interesting to note that you are playing your football in Vietnam. How did you secure the move and how has it been for you since you moved? I came to Vietnam through an agent that was introduced to me by Chidi Odiah. His names ate Joe Briggs. To God be the glory, since […]
It is interesting to note that you are playing your football in Vietnam. How did you secure the move and how has it been for you since you moved?
I came to Vietnam through an agent that was introduced to me by Chidi Odiah. His names ate Joe Briggs. To God be the glory, since my arrival here in Vietnam I have been the number choice for my club, most outstanding goalkeeper in the league. I had severally won the best player of the month and making the team of the week on several occasions
V-League is very competitive because lots of pace and strength are required. V-League compared to our league back home is sort of more inspiring, managed and coordinated. Playing at home isn’t a certainty. You must win your game and the officiating is more coordinated without favoritism. The league here is very competitive with respect to its standard but can’t be compared to that of Europe.
If Coach Stephen Keshi invites you, will you accept it given the stiff competition from Enyeama and the other goalkeepers?
Definitely, I’ll gladly accept it. I have never turned down any invitation from the national team before right from when I was in the U-17 team, the flying Eagles and even the Super Eagles. It is the dream of every patriotic individual to serve his father’s land. I don’t mind the competitions; so long as I have the ability to be there. I will make myself available.
Since Keshi took over the Super Eagles there have been some degree of stability, do you see him achieving success with the team?
Going by what he has achieved as a player and coach of the national team, I can confidently say that he has the know-how in taking the Eagles back to the top. All his tremendous efforts at fortifying the team and boosting the morale of the home players are giving results.
Who is your role model as far as goalkeeping is concerned?
My brother (Bassey Abasubong) and Dosu Joseph are my role models. Goalkeeping to me is a gift from God. I started when I was in primary school. I really thank God for making it a reality in my life and most importantly, a successful one.
What would you say actually made it difficult for you to hold a regular shirt for the Super Eagles?
The keen challenges from the trio of Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba and Austin Ejide made it hard for me to secure the number one shirt. Notwithstanding, whenever I’m called to the Eagles camp, I always give my best.
How many Nigerians are in the Vietnam League?
Nigerians here are quite many, if I’m not mistaking we should be like 18 plying our trade here. I feel at home with the presence of the likes of Gbenga Ajala, Timothy Ajembe, Olushola Aganun, Sunday Emmanuel, Ganiyu Oseni, Samson Olaleye, Aniekan Apen, The Ebeji brother’s, Odinaka Ezeocha and Obinna Ajoku just to mention a few. Amaobi Fortune is amongst the highest goal scorers in the league.