‘I never contemplated dumping Nigeria’

It’s a great opportunity and all thanks to God because without him all this wouldn’t be possible. In addition, it is a result of hard work as you know. It’s always been my prayer for God to help me go step by step until I reach up there. This is by the special grace of […]

It’s a great opportunity and all thanks to God because without him all this wouldn’t be possible. In addition, it is a result of hard work as you know. It’s always been my prayer for God to help me go step by step until I reach up there. This is by the special grace of God.  I think with this development all is going to be fine with Super Eagles. My watch word is to play as if everything depends on me and I repeat prayers because everything depends on God.

It is true you came on late but are you really happy with your performance?

Yes of course. You know we are millions in Nigeria and it is an opportunity for me to come and play for my country. For me to have the opportunity to come and play is something to be proud of. You cannot just climb a tree and get to the top at once. You have to start from somewhere. And like I told you it is a step by step thing. From one step you move and make it to the top, in this case to be part of the first eleven of the Super Eagles.

When you were on the bench, what were your thoughts about the match?

Of course I committed the match into God’s hand right from the first time I saw my invitation,. I was confident that we would win convincingly even with enough goals and I thank God this came to pass. The match was played and won in the first half.  I was really relaxed, giving thanks to God. Without God we cannot do anything on our own. He is the one who gave us the talent.

Did you pray fervently for a chance to make your contribution?

Of course I came to play and I needed the opportunity to play. But the most important thing like I said is the victory and the good display on the field. That’s the most important part. We have achieved our aim and we glorify the name of God.

A good chance fell to you but you did not take it. What happen?

Well, as you know the pitch is very bad and of course it was chance that anyone could miss. I actually wanted to hit it hard and score a good goal but it was rather unfortunate that the ball went over the bar. But next time it is going to be splendid. I will try and score.

But did you ever imagine by this time you will be a Super Eagles player?

Yes of course there is nothing God cannot do. If you submit yourself to God and ask him, just believe he will do it. He says in the bible Mark chapter 11 vs 23, He says “whatever you ask with faith shall come to pass”.  And that is what I asked from God and it has come to pass and even more will come. It is not a surprise to me, it has been in my prayer and I still have other achievements that are on the way that I know God is going to do for me.

Considering your age and physique, how do you cope with the ruggedness of the Italian league?

Well it’s something about professionalism. I have chosen football as a profession and I have to face what comes with my chosen career. On is bound to face challenges and you keep praying because there are more challenges ahead. I have to keep working hard. The Italian league is hard but you have to adjust to the pattern and that shows how professional you are. When you go to Spain you have to adjust. When you go to Italian league you have to adjust to the pattern of play. When you go to England, you have to adjust to the English pattern. It is something you have to put in mind if you want to succeed.

So many clubs were interested in you but why did you settle for Lazio?

As you rightly said I had lot of offers.  I went to Tottenham in England, I was in Chelsea, I have been to Panathinaikos in Turkey, I have been to Basel, and a lot of clubs. Even though I do not want to speak a lot on what happened, I was unable to sign for any of the clubs due to disagreements that arose between my agent and the clubs. I finally settle in Lazio and it’s been a great time over there.

What are your aspirations in Lazio?

By God’s grace I want to achieve the champions place and also win the league and of course it is tradition in Lazio that our derby against Roma, we have to win it. It is an important game for all of us. In less than three weeks we are going to face Roma. It is a match I am looking forward to. It is a very important match to the heart of Lazio fans.

Although you played for Golden Eaglets, have you been tempted to dump Nigeria for another country?

This is a personal thing which I wouldn’t want to discuss on air. It is confidential. There are so many things happened. I had options of playing for other countries but I had already decided that I wanted to play for my country Nigeria. The Green white green is important to me. I am ready to receive the call at anytime.

So you never contemplated dumping Nigeria for another country?

I never contemplated because Nigeria is my country and I always like to play for my country. I want to lift my country up because it is a country that loves football with passion and such s stuffs encourage me a lot. I wouldn’t want to betray my country.

Having come this far, what advice do you have for other young players?

I want to encourage the young ones out there. I am using myself as a point of contact for them to see the kind of life they should live. They have to be serious with what they are doing. It is not only football but all aspects of life. In everything they are doing, they have to be serious and prayerful. They must take its serious.  In football, we have millions of people playing. If you have any opportunity, you have to make good use of it so that it doesn’t slip through your fingers. My advice again is that they should always play as if everything depends on them. And pray hard knowing that everything depends on God.

What was your first reaction when you were invited to the Super Eagles?

My first reaction was to bless God because God has answered my prayers. I saw it as a great opportunity for me to come and represent my country. I feel honoured to be invited which means there is a progress somewhere. I have been waiting for the opportunity.

Could you share with me your experience in Super Eagles camp?

It’s a great feeling I must say because there are a lot of big players who have played in the UEFA Champions League and big other big leagues. To mix with them is a great environment that one should personally experience. The likes of Enyeama, Mikel, Uche, Efe my friend, Ahmed Musa and others are great guys. This is something you need to feel personally to understand what I am feeling.