We shall follow in the steps of Super Eagles – Orkuma

For most members of the flying Eagles the weather in Tunisia will pose a serious challenge. How are you coping?I must confess that it has not been easy but we are gradually getting used to the cold weather conditions here. Even before we got here, we were told about the weather and the reasons we […]

For most members of the flying Eagles the weather in Tunisia will pose a serious challenge. How are you coping?
I must confess that it has not been easy but we are gradually getting used to the cold weather conditions here. Even before we got here, we were told about the weather and the reasons we are here. It is for us to acclimatize because the weather we are going to experience in Algeria in few weeks time is said to be similar to what is here in Tunis. I must commend the NFF for equipping us with the right dresses. If not for the wind cheaters and some of the woollen dresses, it would have been difficult to cope. But like I said, it has been a good experience.
Few days from now, the list of players for the 2013 Africa Junior Championship in Algeria will be released by Coach John Obuh. How confident are you of making the final list?
The truth of the matter is that I have come a long way with the team and I have always given my hundred percent in training and matches. I also believe the coaches know our individual abilities and they know what they need from us. We are all doing our best and in the end, it is the head coach who will decide his final list. If at the end of the day he feels I am good enough to represent my fatherland, I will be most grateful. Even if I don’t make the team, I will look forward to other things that God has in store for me. This is not to say I am not confident.
Having been with this team from the qualifiers up to this stage, would you confidently say the Flying Eagles have what is required to retain the title they won in South Africa in 2011?
I know it is not going to be easy but having come this far, we are ready to retain the trophy. We have been working really hard and the Nigeria Football Federation is also doing its best to motivate us. I personally feel challenged because if the other squad could win the trophy, I do not see any reason we should not retain it. Moreover the coach who led the team to victory in 2011 is still in charge. We also have highly experienced players like Abdul Ajagun in this team and with their wealth of experience, we would be able to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.
Super Eagles have just won the 2013 AFCON in South Africa. Is this a source of motivation for this team?
The victory of the Super Eagles in South Africa has come at the right time. They have led by example and Nigerians would not settle for anything less than victory from us. We have this at the back of our minds and we are going to redouble our efforts. The Super Eagles have done a great deal of good to the image of Nigerian football and we shall not do anything to the contrary. They have played their part and now it’s our time on the stage. We hope to follow in their steps.
Do you have any personal target ahead of the championship?
If in the end I am selected to be part of the team to Algeria, I will give my hundred per cent to help the Flying Eagles retain the trophy. I will play according to the instructions that would be given to me by my coaches. I am a player who believes in team work and I will make sure that I do the dirty job for the team, if that will give us victory. And if I can score from the midfield, that would be a bonus for me.
At championships like the one coming up in Algeria, agents from Europe usually attend to scout for players and this puts pressure on some players. How are you preparing to handle this?
It will be nice to be identified as a good player but to be honest with you, for now I am not thinking about any agent or foreign deal. What is of topmost concern to me is to make the final list and also perform well in the championship. There is time for everything. When the time comes for me to think of Europe, it will not be a hidden thing. For now, my mind is on Algeria 2013.
Would you say the same for your team mates?
I think it is the same with most members of the team. Our handlers have what is necessary for us to concentrate maximally on the task at hand. We have been told to focus and pay attention to little details. This is not the time for anyone to begin to think about players’ agents.