Super Eagles forward ,Brown Ideye ,grants an interview to complete sports,even though i am his least fan as i do not like his wasteful nature infront of goal.I still believe its my duty to bring this to you.
DISCOVERY FOR THE MUNDIAL
Actually I played in France then and to be honest I was on top of my game for Sochaux. We were doing well in the French League and were one of the clubs looking forward to playing in Europe then. I think Coach Lars Lagerback felt I had the potential to represent Nigeria, he extended an invitation to me and that was it.
MEMORABLE MOMENT
I think it’s when I was invited into the national camp by coach Lagerback. I was highly impressed when I was called up by the national team handler and it couldn’t have come at a better time. As you all know; there were lots of good players in camp then and I was not even expecting a call-up. Yeah, it is the dream of every player to play for his country but mine came earlier than expected. I think the first call was okay even though I was later dropped but the best moment came when I was recalled to camp as one of the 22 players that would represent Nigeria in South Africa 2010.
SADDEST MOMENT
My saddest moment had to do with my inability to participate in the World Cup proper. It is a good thing to be part of the World Cup, but I would have felt a lot happier if I had featured in one or two games. I never had the playing time and that was really painful for me. The joy of every player is to play in a major tourney and possibly score goals to really cement your presence and etch your name in the tournament but that was not to be. I was happy those who played gave a very good account of themselves but I would have loved to play a part on the field of play in 2010 World Cup.
UNJUST OR UNFAIR EPISODE (BY OFFICIALS, REFEREE, FIFA)
I think it was the red card issued to Sani Kaita, that was in the game against Greece and that decision actually derailed our World Cup plans. We were on top of that game leading by a lone goal until that red card came. We would have won the game and approached the Korea game with much confidence. That red card was harsh and hard to swallow for the whole team, it was painful.
MOST DIFFICULT OPPONENT
The only difficult opponent we played against then is Argentina. They are a good side and we gave a good account of ourselves too, conceding just one goal at the early stage of the game. The other two games against Greece and South Korea had to do with poor execution and other things that we failed to do. They were not difficult games by all standards but things failed to work in our own favour. We could have qualified for the next round behind Argentina.
UNFORGETTABLE MATCH
The most unforgettable match was against Korea because we lost so many opportunities that would have earned us the much needed win to go through to the next round. It was really unforgettable for me and you can imagine how I was feeling sitting on the bench that day. My teammates gave their all but its like luck was just against us on that fateful day. That has become an unforgettable match because had we converted some of our chances, we would have gone through to the next round. Who knows what would have happened; we could have gone all the way.
MATCH SUPERSTITIONS
For me I believe in God. God is prominent in all I do. I pray to God before and after my game because I would not be where I am now without him. Prayer is my key and that is all I do before I go into every match.
BIGGEST LESSON LEARNT AT THE MUNDIAL
For me, the biggest lesson of the last World Cup in South Africa is the importance of unity within a team. I discovered that you can achieve all that you’re cut to achieve in life once unity exists in a team. No team will do well when the minds are divided, when opinions are divided. It is that unity that saw Nigeria emerge winners at the last AFCON in 2013. We had a little problem at the last World Cup but that won’t happen this time around because we are focused now. Going to Brazil in June, we have to work together and play as one happy family that we are. Lots of teams coming to Brazil have nothing special but unity has been the key to their successes right from the qualifiers. I believe things will get better this time around.
EFFECT OF PRE WORLD CUP SACRIFICES ON FAMILY
Well, South Africa 2010 World Cup really took its toll on my marriage. Prior to my being invited by Coach Lars Lagerback, my wedding plan was ongoing and I was looking forward to it. I felt it was time to settle down. I had concluded all arrangements for the wedding with my in-laws and family members. The date had been fixed and invitation cards were out. But all my wedding plans came to naught after Coach Lars Lagerback recalled me and said I am one of the 22 players who would represent Nigeria in South Africa after Mikel Obi’s injury. It was shocking and I didn’t even know whether to celebrate or cry. I had to inform my in laws and we had to cancel the wedding at that time. You can imagine how heartbroken my wife and family members felt. As regards getting a new date? Of course not, because we weren’t sure how far Nigeria would go in South Africa 2010. So we had to wait.
CHANCES OF PRESENT TEAM
Our chances are very bright considering the pedigree of our opponents in Brazil 2014. We are grouped alongside Argentina, Iran and Bosnia. These countries are not pushovers but we have the champion’s stuffs too and this is the time to deliver it. Brazil 2014 World Cup will be Nigeria’s shining light and I can’t wait to play at the World Cup. We were in Brazil for Confederation Cup but failed to progress beyond the group stage, it will be different this time around. We have a good manager who knows the job well. I am optimistic Nigeria will be the revelation of Brazil 2014 World Cup.
WORLD CUP GAINS (MONETARY, RECOGNITION)
Yes it is normal, we always had issues in the past especially in the matter of bonus, but I don’t think that is the reason why we did not do well in South Africa. It is part of the game so we thank God for all the financial gains but all that does not really matter, what is paramount is playing for this great country and doing my best
No comments:
Post a Comment