Ex-International, Etim Esin says he was excited with the performance of the Super Eagles against Venezuela. In this interview with IZUCHUKWU OKOSI, he believes that Nigeria will not fail in South Africa
The Super Eagles had a good game when they defeated Venezuela 3-1 in a friendly on the 14th of this month in USA. Do you think the team is now taking shape or are there other things you feel Stephen Keshi still need to do to have a good team for the Nations Cup?
The team is taking shape and I believe that they will have a good tournament. What is there to be done is for the NFF to provide them with everything that will help their campaign in South Africa- finance and what have you…
The Nigeria Football Federation is planning to have the team play some more friendly games before the Nations Cup in South Africa. What is your opinion about the plans to have them play a Catalonia side?
It will be nice for the team to play that game because it will be against some great players but I hope they will also play against African teams as promised because they need to play teams that will have similar playing styles with our Nations Cup opponents. I’ve read about Angola and Sudan and they are decent teams which can help the team prepare well for the tournament.
The plans of the Super Eagles to have Sydney Sam for the Eagles at the Nations Cup have been dealt a huge blow by the fact that FIFA cannot facilitate it before the Nations Cup commences in January. Do you think the Eagles will miss him in South Africa?
It’s unfortunate that he will not be available but I know that the World Cup qualifiers which start in March, 2013 will be more realistic. It would have been great to have Sam play at the Nations Cup but I know we have enough players that can do the job for Nigeria.
The issue of where Mikel Obi is best suited to play in the national team is still a topic that seems not to be settled yet. Where do you think Mikel should play for Nigeria at the Nations Cup?
Mikel is a creative player whose game was changed by Jose Mourinho when he came to Chelsea. I believe Keshi can play him in either the defensive midfield or attacking midfield position depending on the players available to him.
Shola Ameobi recently made his Eagles debut alongside Bright Dike. What was your immediate reaction when you heard that the two of them will play for Nigeria?
I want to commend Shola for deciding to represent Nigeria. That is what we are saying; that African players must realise that they cannot get the respect they deserve outside the continent and their country of birth in particular. Same goes for Dike.
There has been call by some sections of Nigerians that Nwankwo Kanu should be drafted into the coaching crew of the Super Eagles. Do you think it will help the team?
I cannot comment on that because I believe Kanu has his own long-term plan. He will make a wonderful coach because he reads the game intelligently, but I feel he has his mind on something else.
You played at the 1987 U-20 World Cup in Chile, what is your advice to the players that could be discovered at the National Sports Festival for the youth teams?
This is an opportunity for them to showcase their talents. They have to keep working hard and also be dedicated.
What is your view about the plans by the Nigeria Football Federation to camp the Super Eagles in Faro, Portugal for the Nations Cup?
Faro has always been where the team used to hold the camp, alongside Papendal in Holland. So, I believe they will have a great time there. I know they will come back to the continent on time before the Nations Cup proper. So, it shouldn’t be a problem.
You’ve always pleaded to be given a responsibility in any of the national teams. What is the latest on your pursuit?
I was part of those ex-internationals who played a novelty game in honour of Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio and something positive could be on the line soon, God willing.
Tell us about the novelty game?
The governor used the occasion to launch an Academy, the Godswill Akpabio Academy which will be handled by Taribo West and Paul Bassey.
Thank you for your time…
You’re welcome!
The Super Eagles had a good game when they defeated Venezuela 3-1 in a friendly on the 14th of this month in USA. Do you think the team is now taking shape or are there other things you feel Stephen Keshi still need to do to have a good team for the Nations Cup?
The team is taking shape and I believe that they will have a good tournament. What is there to be done is for the NFF to provide them with everything that will help their campaign in South Africa- finance and what have you…
The Nigeria Football Federation is planning to have the team play some more friendly games before the Nations Cup in South Africa. What is your opinion about the plans to have them play a Catalonia side?
It will be nice for the team to play that game because it will be against some great players but I hope they will also play against African teams as promised because they need to play teams that will have similar playing styles with our Nations Cup opponents. I’ve read about Angola and Sudan and they are decent teams which can help the team prepare well for the tournament.
The plans of the Super Eagles to have Sydney Sam for the Eagles at the Nations Cup have been dealt a huge blow by the fact that FIFA cannot facilitate it before the Nations Cup commences in January. Do you think the Eagles will miss him in South Africa?
It’s unfortunate that he will not be available but I know that the World Cup qualifiers which start in March, 2013 will be more realistic. It would have been great to have Sam play at the Nations Cup but I know we have enough players that can do the job for Nigeria.
The issue of where Mikel Obi is best suited to play in the national team is still a topic that seems not to be settled yet. Where do you think Mikel should play for Nigeria at the Nations Cup?
Mikel is a creative player whose game was changed by Jose Mourinho when he came to Chelsea. I believe Keshi can play him in either the defensive midfield or attacking midfield position depending on the players available to him.
Shola Ameobi recently made his Eagles debut alongside Bright Dike. What was your immediate reaction when you heard that the two of them will play for Nigeria?
I want to commend Shola for deciding to represent Nigeria. That is what we are saying; that African players must realise that they cannot get the respect they deserve outside the continent and their country of birth in particular. Same goes for Dike.
There has been call by some sections of Nigerians that Nwankwo Kanu should be drafted into the coaching crew of the Super Eagles. Do you think it will help the team?
I cannot comment on that because I believe Kanu has his own long-term plan. He will make a wonderful coach because he reads the game intelligently, but I feel he has his mind on something else.
You played at the 1987 U-20 World Cup in Chile, what is your advice to the players that could be discovered at the National Sports Festival for the youth teams?
This is an opportunity for them to showcase their talents. They have to keep working hard and also be dedicated.
What is your view about the plans by the Nigeria Football Federation to camp the Super Eagles in Faro, Portugal for the Nations Cup?
Faro has always been where the team used to hold the camp, alongside Papendal in Holland. So, I believe they will have a great time there. I know they will come back to the continent on time before the Nations Cup proper. So, it shouldn’t be a problem.
You’ve always pleaded to be given a responsibility in any of the national teams. What is the latest on your pursuit?
I was part of those ex-internationals who played a novelty game in honour of Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio and something positive could be on the line soon, God willing.
Tell us about the novelty game?
The governor used the occasion to launch an Academy, the Godswill Akpabio Academy which will be handled by Taribo West and Paul Bassey.
Thank you for your time…
You’re welcome!
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