Nasarawa Utd will send Enyimba packing from Fed Cup – Victor Namo

What is your assessment of the performance of Nasarawa United in the ongoing season?This is a team that almost 70 per cent of the players are new. We therefore needed time to blend. At the moment the team has taken shape and we are beginning to find our rhythm. We have started getting results and […]

What is your assessment of the performance of Nasarawa United in the ongoing season?
This is a team that almost 70 per cent of the players are new. We therefore needed time to blend. At the moment the team has taken shape and we are beginning to find our rhythm. We have started getting results and we hope to continue with our current form.
Why did you leave a top club like Kano Pillars to join Nasarawa United that just gained promotion to the Premier League?
It’s true Kano Pillars is a team every player would like to play for. However, I played for Pillars for so many years and decided to take my services to another club. I do not have a single problem with the club. I made the decision and they did not stop me from leaving. Even now, we still communicate. I follow happenings in the club.
How confident are you that Nasarawa United will remain in the premier league at the end of the current season?
This is a new team that just gained promotion back to the premier league. Our main aim at the moment is just to maintain our position in the premiership and then build on the foundation that we are going to lay in the current season. By the grace of God, we are going to remain in the top division.
What personal target have you set this season?
My personal target is to emerge the highest goals scorer at the end of the season. I am in top form and I think with the cooperation of my team mates, I will be able to achieve my dream.
How many goals have you scored so far?
So far I have scored eight goals and we still have many matches to play. I have set a target of 20 goals and going by my current form, I think this target is realistic. I just pray for injury free season. If I can score 20 goals, I will feel fulfilled.
How much confidence do you inspire in the younger players in Nasarawa United?
I thank God that I have been able to get to a level that younger players will look up to me for inspiration. Nasarawa United is made up of young players who to make a name especially now that coach Keshi is inviting players from any direction to fight for shirt in the Super Eagles. I can tell you that I have a very good relationship with my team mates.
Nasarawa United is up against Enyimba FC in one of the quarter finals of this year’s Federation Cup. Is this the end of the road for your team?
No! it can never be. Federation Cup is a different ball game altogether. And we have so far proved to be better than any other team we have met so far in the competition. So Enyimba will not stop us from progressing. We shall do our best so as to come out victorious at the end of the day.
Will it be right to say you are underrating the former African champions?
No that’s not what I mean. What I am trying to say is that Enyimba is a team and Nasarawa United is also a team. And it may interest you to know that any player in Nasarawa United is equally good enough to play in Enyimba. We have lot of players who are exposed and have played for Enyimba and other top clubs in the country. Although I respect Enyimba’s profile, I cannot say we are intimidated. The players in Enyimba FC are human beings like us.
Nasarawa United defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 to set up the clash against Enyimba. How confident was Nasarawa United going into the match against Sunshine?
Very very confident. In fact Nasarawa United beat Sunshine Stars last year in the Federation Cup. So when we were up against them again, we were confident that we would beat them. So I personally did not see anything so special in our victory over Sunshine. Although we all felt very excited, we have since put that victory behind us. We have to look ahead.
How motivated is Nasarawa United FC?
Honestly speaking I want to give kudos to our sports loving governor, his Special Adviser on sports and the chairman of the club. Honestly they are doing their best for the team and we are most grateful. They are providing us with our needs and have assured they would redeem all their outstanding promises. I believe with time, they will do so.
You have been consistent in goal scoring in the NPL yet you have not been invited to the senior national team. Are you tired of waiting?
No I can never be tired of waiting. I believe my time will come. People have continued to ask why I have not been invited to the national team but I always tell them that my time will come. I believe that when it comes, I will grab it with both hands.
Home-based Eagles will be up against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the return leg of the CHAN qualifier in Abidjan. How confident are you that the Eagles will soar high?
Having watched the first leg encounter, I can say the players are determined. They are players who want to take their chance. They do not want to disappoint Nigerians. I therefore believe that they will not let us down. But it is going to be a very difficult match because the Ivorians also want to go to South Africa. Everything is going in the right direction for Eagles. I believe they will qualify.
You have scored eight goals in the current season. Which one would you say is your best goal so far?
I think it is the goal I scored against City of David FC in the ongoing Federation Cup. I like the way I scored the goal and it is my best for now.
Out of the matches you have played this season, which one will you say is your best?
My best match is the one against Wikki Tourists in Lafia. I scored a brace and for now that is my best performance. But I hope to do even better in future matches.
Can you talk about your worst match?
My worst performance came against Lobi Stars. We played 1-1 at home and I wasted a penalty. I felt I disappointed our teeming fans.