Pillars will avoid another Champions League disaster – Auta

You are part of the Pillars squad that made history by winning the NPL title three times in a row. How happy are you?I am so happy that I won a league title with Pillars in my first season. I have to thank God almighty who made it possible. It was not easy but we […]

You are part of the Pillars squad that made history by winning the NPL title three times in a row. How happy are you?
I am so happy that I won a league title with Pillars in my first season. I have to thank God almighty who made it possible. It was not easy but we worked hard to get the results.  My gratitude goes to God and the management of the club for providing us with the atmosphere to retain the trophy.
Winning the league three times in a row is no small achievement. How did Pillars achieve this feat?
It took so much commitment and determination on the part of everyone. Almost all the clubs in the league worked hard to stop Pillars from retaining the title but because we were focused and determined, we succeeded.
Last season Pillars exited the Champions League very early. What are your expectations now that the club has another opportunity?
Well the truth of the matter is that then I was not in the team but I think it was something to do with preparation. Maybe they did not prepare well enough. However, the club must have learnt from the previous mistakes and should be ready to make the necessary corrections. Pillars are not new to the Champions League so they should be able to atone for this year’s failure.
What is the difference between Pillars and the other Nigerian clubs you have played for?
You will agree with me that Kano Pillars is one of the prominent clubs in the country and here things are done professionally. It is for this reason that I had no hesitation when I was approached to come and play for them. The atmosphere here in Kano is fantastic. Kano People are passionate about football. But I can tell you that I also enjoyed my stay in Enyimba because that is where I played for three seasons.
You said Kano people are passionate about football. How do you cope with the pressure that comes from the teeming fans of the club?
I am a professional and having played for Enyimba which also boasts of passionate fans, I have learnt to absorb any form of pressure. Personally I play better when there is a huge crowd to cheer me up. The fans, like I said earlier are always supportive and are usually happy when we are playing well. However, when we do not play well, they don’t hide their feelings. I sometimes feel guilty when we don’t give the fans what they want from us.
How many goals did you score this season?
Well, I scored only three goals.
Are you very satisfied with the number?
I cannot say I am very satisfied but I have to thank God because I play as an attacking midfielder. Moreover, it is not every striker in the league that scored a goal in the season that just ended. Sometimes, we look at the number of assists and the need for the team to win. It is not about you alone.
You are currently working under Okey Emordi. What kind of coach is he?
Emordi is one of the best coaches around. He is highly professional and gives every good player the opportunity to prove what he is capable of doing on the field. In addition, he has the prerequisite experience to lead Pillars to success in next year’s Champions League. He is always focused and does not go into any season without a target. He knows what he wants and goes for it. If given all the necessary support, he will be able to achieve results. Already he has won the league in his first season with the club.
Which match would you say was your best this season?
I have so many good matches but I can point out few that I believe my performance was very satisfying. I can say our home match against Heartland which we drew and the away game against Gombe United which we won 3-2.  And I cannot leave out our home match against El-Kanemi Warriors. These were great matches for me.
In which match did you record your worst performance?
I can’t really remember any but I think our home match against Kaduna United did not impress me. Although we won the match, the team did not play well. I cannot explain why we found it hard to play well. It was a very difficult man for us.
It is the dream of every good player to play for his country. Are you not worried that you are yet to represent Nigeria?
I am not worried because I know that my team will surely come. Already I have been to camps of the youth teams. I have been in the Flying Eagles camp under coaches Ladan Bosso and Godwin Uwua. I was also in the National U-23 camp under Coach Samson Siasia. I have been part of the Home-Based Eagles set up. So the fact of the matter is that I have been to several camps but I am yet to play any tournament for Nigeria.
Do you also have any plan to travel outside Nigeria in search of greener pastures?
Yeah, I have been to different European countries on trials. I was at Ajax in Holland and Nan in France. I also went to other countries but I was unable to tie down a deal because of disagreement between my agents and the clubs. I nearly signed for Ajax but the deal did not click. I am not discouraged. When God says yes, nobody can say no.
How did you start your football career?
I started at a very early age in Kaduna where I hail from. I graduated from a football academy and was offered scholarship in Grays International School Kaduna. I represented the school in Shell Cup. I later went to Niger Tornadoes but they considered me too small to play. But when Coach Bernard Ogbe came, he watched me play and said I should be registered. Only two matches were left but I was registered. I played against Wikki and scored. At the end of the season, they signed me. I played for a season before moving to Enyimba. I later played for Sunshine Stars, Heartland and Dolphins before coming over to Pillars.
When you started, who was your role model?
Without any doubt, I admire Cristiano Ronaldo but I cannot say he is my role model. I want to be myself at all times. I want other players to strive to be like me. So I want to make my own name to go places.
Which club in Europe do you support?
I am a Manchester United fan. It is the club I started supporting right from childhood. I was disappointed when the club did not do well last season but they are gradually returning to winning ways and I am happy.
Maybe one day you will play for the ‘Red Devils’……..
Who wouldn’t want to play for such a big club?. However, I do not have my eyes on any particular club in Europe. I will go to where God opens the door for me.