How my professional contract abroad ended abruptly- Rangers’ Madu

How is Rangers getting ready for the 2013/2014 season?As you are aware Rangers is a big club. We targeted the league title last season but it did not come to pass. I believe with the level of recruitment in the club this season, we are going to have a better team and good outing in […]

How is Rangers getting ready for the 2013/2014 season?
As you are aware Rangers is a big club. We targeted the league title last season but it did not come to pass. I believe with the level of recruitment in the club this season, we are going to have a better team and good outing in both the league and the Federation Cup. The technical crew has recruited big and quality players. With the players in our camp right now, we are going to get a continental ticket. As a team we shall do all within our ability to give the fans of Rangers a continental ticket come 2013/2014 football season. We won’t let them down
What do you think went wrong with your club last season?
We did relatively well last season. We were fifth on the log but some ups and down here and there cost us a place in the top four. We have leant our lesson. We have put that behind us because to us that is what football is all about. The most important thing to me now is how we can turn our not too impressive performance last season to a top class performance this coming season.
Apart from helping Rangers to win a continental ticket next season, do you have any other ambition?
My dream is to play professional football outside Nigeria. I tasted it once. That was when I got a contract with a club in Turkey but it was later terminated. I tasted it and I know what it takes to play abroad especially in Europe. I believe with the way I am playing my game now and the support of God, I can make it back to Europe in no distant time. All I need is to be focused as I pray I do not get injured.
What real happened in Turkey in your first attempt?
Well I signed two years contract with Kahmanmarasspor football club of Turkey. But when a new coach came in, he terminated the contract of some players including mine.  I did not lose as I got some money from the contract. After that I decided to come back to my club Rangers International.
Now that you are back what do you think are the problems of the league in Nigeria?
They are numerous. I believe if issues like players welfare, officiating, proper management of the clubs are tackled head on by the new organisers of the league, Nigerian league will definitely witness a great change in terms of followership and quality of play. If we are paid good salaries, most of us would prefer to stay here than rushing to play outside. Moreover, with the confidence reposed in home based players by Coach Keshi, one can stay here and play for the Super Eagles. Some of the clubs Nigerian players rush to go and play for in Europe are not better than ours in terms of performance but they have better incentives.
In Nigeria, some clubs are really bad when it comes to the player s welfare. You see situations where players are owed backlog of sign on fees and salaries. So how do you expect the players to play to their optimal?. For me I think the club managers should first and foremost consider the welfare of their players. For instance, this directive that clubs must pay N100,000 minimum wage for the Premier League players, is a welcome development. For my club Rangers, they are doing their best when it comes to players welfare. I think other clubs should see the need for motivation of players. It will take the league to a higher level.
How happy are you with your invitation to the Home-based Super Eagles camp?
When I got the call up, I was very excited because I know the opportunity has come and looking at the calibre of the national team handlers, my invitation was worth celebrating. I have been waiting for the call up. I thank God it came at last.