Shagari Mohammed: I will be back stronger and better for Pillars
Your team just recorded an away draw against FC Taraba. How happy are you with this performance?The result is not a bad one. Although the three points would have made more sense but the draw has kept us on top of the table so we thank God for it. Getting a point away from home […]
Your team just recorded an away draw against FC Taraba. How happy are you with this performance?
The result is not a bad one. Although the three points would have made more sense but the draw has kept us on top of the table so we thank God for it. Getting a point away from home in the Nigerian league is not an easy task.
Pillars are currently on top of the table. Do you see your team winning the NPL title for the third time in a row?
At the moment we are leading but playing the league is like running a marathon so I want to say that it is not yet time to celebrate. We still have so many matches to play. Moreover, the difference between Pillars and the second team is only three points so one match can change things. However, we are working hard to ensure that we retain the title.
What is the motivation for Pillars?
Our motivation is the government of Kano State which has been most supportive. It is common knowledge that Pillars FC is the most motivated club in the Nigeria Premier League. Each time we emerge victorious, we are hosted by the government and showered with cash and cars. What else can motivate players more than this? So this season also we are looking forward to another victory knowing very well that we would be rewarded with cars and cash.
Are you very satisfied with your performance for Pillars in the ongoing season?
I have to thank Allah for everything but I cannot say I am very satisfied. My season has been hampered by injuries so I have not been able to give my best. At the moment, I am down with back injury but I have been receiving treatment and I am getting much better now. I would have resumed action but I have been advised to rest my back very well for full recovery. So I can assure you that very soon, I will be back and better. I want to be part of history. I want to be part of the Pillars team that will win the NPL title for three times at a stretch.
How have you been able to cope with the pressure that comes with playing for Pillars?
Well, as a professional, I am used to the pressure. I have been in this club for so long now so I know what the expectations of the fans are at all times. They want us to keep winning and we are used to it. However, in our little ways, we try to let them know that we cannot win all the times. I think our fans are beginning to reduce the pressure that they kept mounting on us.
You have a new coach in Okey Emordi. What can you say about his tactics?
Okey Emordi is highly experienced coach. You and I know his history very well. He needs no introduction. He arrived at Pillars when players were already recruited and we were about to commence the Champions League. Things were not so rosy with him when he joined us but he has been able to weather the storm. He has settled into the job and right now, he is building a formidable squad. At the moment, he has given each and every player the opportunity to play for the club. He is a highly technical coach but he does not make so much noise about what he has achieved and what he wants to do. I think before the season ends, everybody will see what he is doing.
Are you going to end your career in Pillars?
You see I am a player who does not believe in changing clubs for the fun of it. If I am to leave, there must be concrete reasons. It is either the club does not need my services again or I have got a better deal somewhere. At the moment, Pillars have not given me any signal that I am surplus to requirement and no club has offered me more than what Pillars offer in terms of welfare and motivation. For me, Pillars is the best club in the domestic league and so I am not thinking of leaving. I will keep giving my best to the club that has made me.
As a former junior international, are you still thinking of playing for the Super Eagles?
Yeah, it is the dream of every player. I have tasted action at the junior level and I want to see what is obtainable at the senior level. I have been on the scene for long now because I started playing very early. So been around for long does not mean I am too old to play for the Super Eagles. I still feel good inside me.