Super Eagles reserve goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim has told IZUCHUKWU OKOSI that last Thursday’s international friendly game in USA was the beginning of good preparation ahead of the 2013 AFCON in South Africa
How would you describe the Super Eagles’ performance in the friendly match against Venezuela in Miami, USA last week?
It was not an easy game despite the result. The Venezuelan side has some experienced and gifted players so it was not easy at all to beat them. We also have very good players who are motivated to do well and fight for their places in the Nations Cup squad.
You did not play any part in the game in Miami, were you disappointed?
Well, I would have loved to play a part in that game because it was a friendly affair, but I have to respect the decision of the coach to leave me out. Being in the team was a privilege in the first place but I know that my time to play consistently in the national team will come.
There are plans by the Nigeria Football Federation to arrange more friendly games this time with African teams before the Nations Cup. How are the players looking forward to playing those games?
The friendly game against African sides will be fine because of the Africa Nations Cup coming up in less than two months in South Africa. The countries that have been mooted as our likely opponents are very strong sides and I believe that we will give a good account of ourselves in those games as usual.
The Nigeria Premier League season has not kicked- off yet, don’t you think it will affect the match fitness and invariably the chances of the home-based players to make the Nations Cup squad?
It is a worrisome development but the coaches know the abilities of the players in the Nigeria Premier League- especially those who have been part of the national team set-up. Hopefully, when the camping for the Nations Cup opens on December 17, everything will be sorted out before the end of the exercise.
The whole team celebrated the win over Venezuela in Miami after the game. What was the mood amongst the players and coaches like?
The win was a morale booster and it also means that the team is improving and can get better when the Nations Cup comes around.
How did Stephen Keshi motivate the team before the game?
He told us to prove that we merit a place in his team for the Nations Cup. He was happy that the likes of Shola Ameobi and Bright Dike opted to represent Nigeria. From all he has been saying to the players, he has confidence in our abilities. He respects our feelings and always inspire his players which is very important in the game of football.
The team will camp in Faro, Portugal ahead of the Nations Cup. Do you think weather factors will hinder your preparations for the Nations Cup?
The camping in Europe will not affect us rather it will help us, the home-based players especially. It will be winter in South Africa in January and playing Venezuela was like playing away from home.
The likes of Shola Ameobi and Bright Dike made their Super Eagles debuts against Venezuela. What impact would you say they made in the team?
Both players were excited to play for Nigeria and it showed in their performances. Dike plays in the MLS but despite that, you could see that he was happy to play for Nigeria. Ameobi is an experienced player and his qualities are needed in the team. If you have such players in your team, you know that you have a genuine chance to do well against your opponents. He was a source of inspiration to other players.
Sammy, Shola’s brother has decided to wait for a chance to play for England in future; do you think he should emulate his brother and play for Nigeria?
It would be nice to have both of them play for Nigeria because they are both gifted players.
Sammy was invited to the Flying Eagles camp in the past even though he eventually did not play for the team.
Well, it’s his decision to make. Let’s see if he would have a change of mind.
With the determination of other African Nations to win the Nations Cup, do you think the Eagles are ready for the threat of other teams?
The spirit amongst the players is very high and we want to win the Nations Cup. We will be ready for the challenges ahead surely.
You moved to Rangers FC of Enugu. How would you describe the new atmosphere?
Rangers are the pride of the eastern people, and I was warmly received when I got to the club. I could see that it was a team where you can develop as a player. It’s a friendly place to work and hopefully, I will do well with them.
Are you setting any personal target for the year 2013?
Of course, I do, every player does. I want to win the league with my new club, Rangers. It’s
been long since they won a title in the domestic scene and I want to be part of the team that will break that jinx.
Thank you for your time…
It’s always a pleasure to speak with you.
How would you describe the Super Eagles’ performance in the friendly match against Venezuela in Miami, USA last week?
It was not an easy game despite the result. The Venezuelan side has some experienced and gifted players so it was not easy at all to beat them. We also have very good players who are motivated to do well and fight for their places in the Nations Cup squad.
You did not play any part in the game in Miami, were you disappointed?
Well, I would have loved to play a part in that game because it was a friendly affair, but I have to respect the decision of the coach to leave me out. Being in the team was a privilege in the first place but I know that my time to play consistently in the national team will come.
There are plans by the Nigeria Football Federation to arrange more friendly games this time with African teams before the Nations Cup. How are the players looking forward to playing those games?
The friendly game against African sides will be fine because of the Africa Nations Cup coming up in less than two months in South Africa. The countries that have been mooted as our likely opponents are very strong sides and I believe that we will give a good account of ourselves in those games as usual.
The Nigeria Premier League season has not kicked- off yet, don’t you think it will affect the match fitness and invariably the chances of the home-based players to make the Nations Cup squad?
It is a worrisome development but the coaches know the abilities of the players in the Nigeria Premier League- especially those who have been part of the national team set-up. Hopefully, when the camping for the Nations Cup opens on December 17, everything will be sorted out before the end of the exercise.
The whole team celebrated the win over Venezuela in Miami after the game. What was the mood amongst the players and coaches like?
The win was a morale booster and it also means that the team is improving and can get better when the Nations Cup comes around.
How did Stephen Keshi motivate the team before the game?
He told us to prove that we merit a place in his team for the Nations Cup. He was happy that the likes of Shola Ameobi and Bright Dike opted to represent Nigeria. From all he has been saying to the players, he has confidence in our abilities. He respects our feelings and always inspire his players which is very important in the game of football.
The team will camp in Faro, Portugal ahead of the Nations Cup. Do you think weather factors will hinder your preparations for the Nations Cup?
The camping in Europe will not affect us rather it will help us, the home-based players especially. It will be winter in South Africa in January and playing Venezuela was like playing away from home.
The likes of Shola Ameobi and Bright Dike made their Super Eagles debuts against Venezuela. What impact would you say they made in the team?
Both players were excited to play for Nigeria and it showed in their performances. Dike plays in the MLS but despite that, you could see that he was happy to play for Nigeria. Ameobi is an experienced player and his qualities are needed in the team. If you have such players in your team, you know that you have a genuine chance to do well against your opponents. He was a source of inspiration to other players.
Sammy, Shola’s brother has decided to wait for a chance to play for England in future; do you think he should emulate his brother and play for Nigeria?
It would be nice to have both of them play for Nigeria because they are both gifted players.
Sammy was invited to the Flying Eagles camp in the past even though he eventually did not play for the team.
Well, it’s his decision to make. Let’s see if he would have a change of mind.
With the determination of other African Nations to win the Nations Cup, do you think the Eagles are ready for the threat of other teams?
The spirit amongst the players is very high and we want to win the Nations Cup. We will be ready for the challenges ahead surely.
You moved to Rangers FC of Enugu. How would you describe the new atmosphere?
Rangers are the pride of the eastern people, and I was warmly received when I got to the club. I could see that it was a team where you can develop as a player. It’s a friendly place to work and hopefully, I will do well with them.
Are you setting any personal target for the year 2013?
Of course, I do, every player does. I want to win the league with my new club, Rangers. It’s
been long since they won a title in the domestic scene and I want to be part of the team that will break that jinx.
Thank you for your time…
It’s always a pleasure to speak with you.
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