My eyes are on Bundesliga – Obiozor
What informed your recent move from Rangers to Kano Pillars?The reason for my move is very clear. Pillars will be playing in the continent. It is a very good competition that I am going to get myself involved with the team and I know as we plan ahead for the CAF Champions League and the […]
What informed your recent move from Rangers to Kano Pillars?
The reason for my move is very clear. Pillars will be playing in the continent. It is a very good competition that I am going to get myself involved with the team and I know as we plan ahead for the CAF Champions League and the local league, I am going to get better and by God’s grace I will be part of the team that will bring success to the country. We will take the challenge as it comes. But one most important thing is that I will stay focused for the club to win the continental title. However, it is not all about me but the entire team.
Before joining Pillars, how will you describe your stay in Rangers International FC of Enugu?
I played for Rangers for two seasons and I must tell you I had fun while I was there. Believe me if not for the quest for greener pastures, I wouldn’t have left Enugu. It was great playing in the coal city. I was at home there though as it is with life I have to move on. I will miss Enugu but I believe I will also be at home in Kano with Pillars.
Apart from the urge to play in the continent, what other things motivated you to sign for Pillars?
They invited me two seasons ago but I refused to go but this time around they did because anytime my team play against them I am usually the one scoring the goals for my team, both in our home and away matches. When I got their invitation I decided to honour it and see what is on the table in Kano. Again you cannot take away the fans and the management profile of the club. I am impressed with the club fans base. Even in training now you can see them in their numbers coming to cheer you up and I want to be part of such a great team. I love the club so much and with the crowd behind the team there is no better place to play in the local league than Kano Pillars.
How attractive is the package Pillars have offered you?
The offer is very good I must tell you and one thing I have learnt from the older players in the club is the stability in the welfare package and I know that for the two or one and a half season I am going to stay, I will have a nice time there, God willing.
Do you think it will be easy for you to pick a shirt in the attacking line of Kano Pillars FC?
I have been to great clubs like 3SC of Ibadan where top strikers like Gbolahan Salami, Kabiru Alausa and Aderemi Sunday were already in the fold and yet I picked my shirt there and played for the club. It was the same thing in Rangers. I know what I have I am not scared of any player because what I have another player may not have such quality and is vice versa. I appreciate the presence of big players like Gambo Mohammed and Hassan Adamu but we will all complement each other towards achieving the common goal.
What is your assessment of the Nigerian Premier League?
The Nigerian Premier League is progressing but I hope this season will be better than last season. One area I will like to talk much on is officiating. It is not a must that the home team must win because when you play good football you win but when you play bad you lose at home. It is like you do everything at home to win and at away you lose and if there is great improvement in this area, I foresee a better Nigerian league this year because it will help improve the quality of the game as well as the value of the league. So this home team must win with dubious calls by the referees should not be encouraged. It is killing the game and the fighting spirit of the good teams in the league.
You have made the team to Abu Dhabi for the international friendlies against Cote D’Ivoire and Sudan. How happy are you?
Is great and thank God I made the list for the trip and I am hoping to give the best of my performance to justify my inclusion by the team handlers.
You know playing in the national team is a different ball game compared to playing for your club sides. Playing in the national team increases ones profile in his club. So as it is expected, when you return to the club you are expected to added value to the team by stepping up your game.
I am also happy to inform you that in my first appearance for the Eagles in the CHAN competition I had a goal to my credit. So I see my future in the national team as a bright one.
You have worked under many Nigerian Coaches. What is your rating of the indigenous coaches?
I have had the opportunity to be trained by many Nigerian coaches like Fatai Amoo who signed me in 3SC, Monday Odigie, Augustine Eguavoen, Okey Emordi, John Obuh, the big boss in the national team Stephen Keshi and his assistant Daniel Amokachi. They have greatly influenced my game and I must confess they are all good. Even if I am down they always push me to do my best. I see Nigerian coaches as good in all ramifications.
What are your future expectations?
The future is near for me as I see myself going to Germany to play in the Bundesliga before the year runs out. I have also gotten offers from France but I am still studying the offers. God will guide me to make the move that will help my career to grow.