Our match against Ethiopia was the toughest – Uzoenyi

Super Eagles have just lifted their third African title and you were a member of that all conquering team, how excited are you?I lack words to express my gratitude to God almighty. All we did in South Africa was by the special grace of God. For me personally, I lack words to express my gratitude […]

Super Eagles have just lifted their third African title and you were a member of that all conquering team, how excited are you?
I lack words to express my gratitude to God almighty. All we did in South Africa was by the special grace of God. For me personally, I lack words to express my gratitude to God for making me part of history. There is no player who will not be happy with such achievement. I am sure it is the same for all the other players. None of us had won the Nations Cup so winning it was a special feeling
You made your Africa Cup of Nations debut when you came on for few minutes in the match against Mali. How was the feeling?
I cannot describe how I felt but let me manage to say it was a fantastic feeling. I was waiting for such an opportunity and when it came, I grabbed it with two hands. I am sure my coaches were satisfied with my contribution in the match.
That big would sap the confidence of most young players. Were you scared when you came on to the pitch?
Why should I be scared? I am a professional player who is used to playing football. It was game of football that I was asked to go in and play so there was nothing like pressure. When you know what you are doing and your coach gives you the confidence, you don’t get scared.
Which of the matches would you say was the toughest for the Eagles?
Without doubt, our last group match against Ethiopia was the toughest. We had to put in everything to win and get the maximum points that took us to the quarter finals. Although many people felt we were going to beat Ethiopia, if we did not handle them with seriousness, they would have spoilt the party for us. It was our toughest match. We were playing and monitoring what was happening elsewhere.
But many people said the match against Cote d’Ivoire was the toughest?
I won’t say it was the toughest because our opponents made the match very easy for us. They believed they were the favourites. They underrated us and paid heavily. The only difficult thing about the match against Cote d’Ivoire is that defeat would have ended our campaign.
Your team mates in the NPL, Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabana got quality playing time at the tournament. How would you describe their performance?.
It was awesome. They did excellently well and I think their performance or should I say our performance will open the door for other Nigeria Premier League players to come into the Super Eagles. It is now left for those who never believed in us to give us a chance.
So you think there are more Ejikes, Mbas and Oboaboanas in the local league?
Why not? There are so many good players. Like I said before, it is a matter of chance. They are waiting for their turn and I believe when given an opportunity, they will even perform better than some of us.
How will you describe the reception since you returned from South Africa?
It is overwhelming. It is simply overwhelming. I know that Nigerians like football but I never knew it would be as big as this. I can only thank God for making me part of this success. We cannot thank Nigerians enough for standing by us and welcoming us back. The President on behalf of other Nigerians has rewarded us. What more can we ask for?. It’s been great.
But before the tournament only a few people gave the Eagles any chance of qualifying for the next round but you went all the way. What do you have to say to such people who never gave the Eagles any chance?.
Honestly I am not aware of such thing. I don’t even know whether Nigerians doubted our ability to win the Nations Cup. As a matter of fact, we were so occupied with preparations for the tournament that we did not have time to start listening to what people said. Whatever happened is now history. Even if we were not given a chance, God stood by us and today we are champions of Africa. It is said one with God is majority. We depended on God and he did not let us down.
How do you think this victory will help Nigerian football?
It will help in different ways. Our achievement will make players of the other national teams to believe more in themselves. Even if we were considered to be outsiders, we showed determination and commitment to conquer our opponents. I think this is a lesson that you don’t allow other people’s perception of you to determine how far you go in any competition.