OBOABONA: I’M READY TO FIGHT FOR AFCON SHIRT

Eagles defender, Godfrey Oboabona, says he is ready to do his best to make the Super Eagles team to the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa. He spoke with BAMIDELE BOLUWAJI

You are one of the 24 home-based players invited by coach Stephen Keshi for the November 14 international friendly game against Venezuela in USA, how do you feel being part of the team?

It is great to be back and I am happy to be recognised by the coach. Playing for Nigeria is something I always love and ready to do, so I feel happy to be invited for the match.

How important do you see the international friendly game to the Super Eagles’ quest of winning the 2013 AFCON in South Africa?

It is going to be a very important match because we need it to prepare for the tournament and it will be a good opportunity for the coaches to know the fitness level of the players and also try out new ones.

Looking at your performance against the Lone Star of Liberia in the 6-1 victory that saw Nigeria qualifying for the Nations Cup, do you think you can make the final list for the CAF tournament?

Well, I think it is only the coach that can decide who will make the team to South Africa but personally, I would love to be there and I know that I need to work harder for that to happen. The Big Boss has told us that he needs only the best for the Nations Cup because he is going there for a purpose and we need to do our best.

But do you see the Super Eagles winning the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa?

Yes, I can see that because we have the players that can do it. We just need to work hard because other teams are also coming with the hope of winning the Nations Cup; but for us to win it which is quite possible, we really need to work hard and make sure that we win every game we are going to play. With the way Coach Stephen Keshi is handling the team, I am sure that we will go far in South Africa.

How would you react to the Super Eagles group that has Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Zambia?

It is a tough group and all the teams mentioned will definitely be tough. Personally, I don’t underrate any team but when it comes to Nigeria, you will see teams, even small country raising their games. So we need to prepare very well and give our best in every game we play in South Africa.

Which of those teams do you think can give the Eagles some problems in South Africa?

All the teams can be very dangerous and that is why I said I won’t underrate any of them. I always believe that players’ determination and preparedness will determine the outcome of the match, but If we don’t prepare very well, it could even be difficult to beat a secondary school team.

Now that the battle for the shirts for 2013 African Nations Cup is getting to the peak, do you think you can make the list, mostly when many foreign-based players are already showing interest in the competition?

I cannot say much about that for now because we still have some months before the Nations Cup will kick off. And one thing I know is that the form of every player will determine the decision the coach will make regarding the Nations Cup. So, I will do my best in camp, while I pray to God to favour me.

What does the Nations Cup mean to your career as a home-based player?

It will definitely help my career. I believe in myself and in what I can do. Playing at the Nations Cup can also help me to get a better contract and I look forward to that.

Finally, do you have any fear ahead of the Championship in South Africa?

No, I have been praying to God to favour us as a nation and I will continue to pray because winning the trophy will help many of us

I’M USING BARCA MODEL FOR EAGLES

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi reveals his plans for perfect his AFCON team in this exclusive interview with JOHNNY EDWARD as he promises that captain Joseph Yobo will be fit for the South Africa tournament

Having qualified the national team for the 2013 Africa Nations Cup, what are your plans on strengthening the squad ahead of the competition?

 Plans are in top gear to build a formidable team and better our recent performance in the competition. We just need to work collectively to achieve our aims at the tournament. We all know the threats the likes of Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Zambia can cause if we underrate them and I won’t want that to happen at all. I loved the commitment of those players that played the Liberia game both home and away and I believe with more sessions together, they could perform better than what Nigerians saw in both legs. Other coaches from the group have been talking tough but my team will stay focused for the task of putting a good show in South Africa. I just pray that all my players are in good health.

Also, skipper Joseph Yobo according to media reports is a major doubt for the Nations Cup. Could you tell us the actual state of his health?

I spoke with Yobo last week and he is getting better. He was injured and on the verge of going for surgery but after further tests and MRI scans, there was no need for that anymore. He will be fit for the Nations Cup. All he needs is to just adhere strictly to his rehabilitation directives at his club.

November will make it a year since you took charge of the senior national team in which you captained for over a decade, are you satisfied with the kind of impact you have made so far on the team?

 Well, I’m not satisfied with the level where we are, but I believe gradually, we will reach the zenith. The team is in good transition. We just need to plug some worrying holes which we in the technical crew have observed so far.
 Talking about plugging holes, you don’t have a natural right back in the team right now. How do you intend to conquer Africa without a natural player in that position?
 
That’s true but we have players who can play that role effectively for us and it’s not a big problem as far as we are concerned. It’s good for us to have players who can play in different positions in the team and we are blessed to have the duo of Godfrey Oboabona and Efe Ambrose who can function in that regard. My only problem is that I don’t have enough time with these players so as to impart in them how I really want them to play- mostly with these overseas-based players. They don’t usually come in time and when they do, we’d barely have four to five training sessions before a game and it’s been tough.

 Having released the list of home-based players for the Venezuela game in United States of America, when will you be release the list of the foreign based players for the friendly and are we going to see a new set of players for the encounter?

 Well, every Nigerian player playing regularly for his club stands a good chance of playing for the national team, but we must be watchful of how we integrate them into the team. There are few players who will be tried for the game, no doubt. But the likes of Obafemi Martins, Ayodele Adeleye, Joseph Akpala, Nsofor Obinna and the rest are still relevant and we will invite them to see what they can add to the team.

 You will agree that the average Nigerian fan is expecting great results in the AFCON. What message do you have for such people?

I hope to match their expectations with good results but they must equally know that they must be patient with the team. We are getting there and at the same time playing good football. All this takes time to manifest. Look at a team like Barcelona, they already have a good team, but they still injected more quality to their squad which makes them more solid in all departments. But don’t forget they still have those players who are pillars in the team for the past seven years around doing great from game to game. I’m trying to find a perfect balance for the team and once I get that, these Eagles will fly again by God’s grace.

Coach, talking about our players, do you think we still have the kind of players that can win the Nations Cup in South Africa?

I believe that we still have some great players around. Most of these players need to have the right mentality that they are not playing for themselves but for the nation. There are thousands of Nigerian players that could be assembled to win the Africa Nations Cup but without the right mentality, they won’t go far. I believe we stand a good chance of winning if we start well in the competition.

VENUS: THIS WON’T BE OUR LAST TRIP TO NIGERIA

Venus Williams promises to return to Nigeria some day after her exhibition match with her younger sister in Lagos tomorrow. She spoke at a media conference yesterday. JOHHNY EDWARD was there.

How do you feel being in Nigeria to support the recently launched ‘‘Breaking TheMould’’ campaign- a women’s empowerment initiative?

It’s so exciting and it’s amazing to see how people love us here in Nigeria. I’m looking forward to meeting people here and be part of the launching of the Breaking the Mould campaign in Nigeria. Women have so much to contribute to the development of the society and this initiative is as important as playing tennis. I’m glad to be playing here in Nigeria. Playing against my sister here is going to be a final between us. I’ve heard a lot about Nigeria and her people and this won’t be our last trip. People are showing great love to us and we are happy to be here as well.

Could you share your experience with us when your sister Serena won her first grand slam?

It was an amazing feeling when she won because emotionally, I get stronger whenever she wins games and I also learn from it when she loses sometimes in case I have to face the same opponent she lost to one day. In all, she is a great tennis player and I’m always proud of her.

And when she loses?

I take it in good faith.

You have won seven singles titles, thirteen in women’s doubles and two in mixed doubles. Also, your seven Grand Slam singles titles place you with four other women in the twelfth place on the all-time list. What motivates you each time you’re on the court?

Well, I love what I do and I always give my best each time I go to the court. It’s amazing to have won those titles and the hunger to win more still burns in me. Our goal is to be at the next Olympics in Rio and perform well there. That’s why we want to stay healthy to defend our title.

How was it like growing up with your dad as a coach?

(Laughs) He did the right thing because the results are there to be seen but of course, he was tough and I had some great moments growing up and learning the game under him.

The Williams sisters have established schools in Kenya, is there any plan to doing the same here in Nigeria and how is the school faring?

The school is going on well there. It’s basically about giving kids good education but we intend to expand it with time. Setting up a school in Nigeria is going to be a good idea as well.

SERENA: NIGERIANS HAVE MADE US FEEL SPECIAL

Serena Williams praises Nigerians for the warm reception given to her ahead of the exhibition match against her sister. She spoke at a press conference which JOHNNY EDWARD attended

What makes this trip special Serena?

The fact that we are here to empower young girls who are ready to break the mould and carve a niche for themselves in the society makes this visit special. We are really happy to be here.  Again, the fact that many Nigerians were tweeting to confirm our coming made it to be so special. Those lovely messages to me were so soothing and I love them all. I can’t wait to play against my sister here in Nigeria.

Rumours have it that the Williams have their roots in this country, could you clear the air on this?

In as much as we love to be associated with Africans and black people around the world, I would like to use this medium again to reiterate that we are citizens of the United States of America.

Are you promising Nigerians and your fans that Friday’s match will be more than an exhibition game?

(Laughs) I’m looking forward to playing a great game against my sister here, to give back to the society and
inspire the youths.

What are those things you want to say have really influenced you to excel in the sport and part of which you want to give back to the younger ones?

I’ve been influenced by so many people and experience that I cherish so much. Those challenges and impact have made me a better player and person.

KALUSHA: NIGERIA IS OUR BIGGEST THREAT

Following the AFCON 2013 draws which pitched  his country alongside Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, the former Chipolopolo captain and current Zambia Football Federation President, Kalusha Bwalya finally opens  up to Complete Sports  Saturday’s  David Meshioye in an exclusive interview on the much anticipated clash and his team’s chances at the forthcoming African Cup of Nations finals in South Africa...



You came into football administration immediately after you hanged your boots and turned Zambian football into what soccer cynics refer  to as emerging giants of African football. Can you let our readers briefly into what you think have been the keys to success so far?

Well, I think it has to do with better understanding that is associated with Zambian football. When we started in 2003, I think we wanted to function in small strides and from coach and new administration. Incidentally, from the experience, we’ve had a lot of people working together. Our success came through good planning, a calm dispensation and consistency coupled with levelheadedness. Everyone just wanted to achieve something for the country. We also ensured that there are good coaches in place, and the players themselves are ready to work and that is important; these have been the keys to the success of Zambian football so far.

African football is regarded as  a risk market by so many corporate bodies and investors alike. How has Zambian FA  been able to attract sponsors in the face of tough global economic  recession? Do you think maladministration is responsible for the absence of Egypt and Cameroun for the second consecutive time?

Emmmm…….I think Zambia are the one to learn from Egypt and Cameroun. Cameroun has been to the World Cup just like Egypt who incidentally won the Africa Cup of Nations
in 2006, 2008 and 2010. I think we just have to learn from them and maintain our style of football. Zambia hit it’s peak in 2012 and we just have to maintain that
before we can begin to compare Zambia to the likes of Egypt and Cameroun. So far so good, we are happy to be African champions and also willing to learn from other
African countries. We will try and keep up the momentum and hopefully work hard and see how far we can go with the team.

Talking about the Zambian national team, they have Super Eagles of Nigeria, Burkina Faso  and Ethiopia to contend with. Don’t you think you have a tricky group here?

You know, I think it’s a tough group, I am not sure it’s all about revenge. 1994 is a long time and Kalusha Bwalya played that game just like some of my Nigerian friends too. If Kalusha is still playing right now, then we would have said it’s going to be a revenge match. But now we have the likes of Kalaba, Christopher Katongo  and Mwinee to play this time around. I don’t think Emmanuel Amunike, Oliseh and Amokachi will be playing this time around.

I think what Coach Herve Renard  is saying on revenge may be connected with the quarter- final exit at the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Lubango, Angola, where we lost by penalties. I think most of the players gave good accounts of themselves and may have complex problem. We still have about 70 percent of the players that featured in that game in 2010 around. After we lost to Nigeria on penalties in 2010, Zambia has gone on to win the Nations Cup on penalties, so we now have great confidence in taking penalties. I am sure if penalties come up in our next game against Nigeria, we can be sure Zambia will carry the day (General laughter).Nigeria is our biggest threat here while not underrating other teams in the group.

It is a 90 minute match; it is a match we hope we can give a very good account of ourselves in. It’s a second match, but it is important to go into our game against Ethiopia with less pressure. That is why the game against Nigeria is an important match knowing well it’s our second game. We will approach that game with all seriousness with the hope of picking ticket to the quarter-finals. Zambia will have to win.

How well do you know Stephen Keshi? Do you think the Nigeria manager has done well so far with his rebuilding process?

Stephen Keshi has done well with his team as far as I am concerned. He has been able to make the team qualify for the Nations Cup which in itself is a big achievement.
You may remember the Super Eagles of 94 and 96, since then, there has been a barren period with the national team; I mean the likes of Amokahi, Finidi and Jay Jay Okocha left the team. I think now, the team is gradually taking shape. Keshi has been there before, so he knows what it means to be in Africa Cup of Nations and take part in the World Cup.

He has the opportunity now to take Nigeria to greater heights. I think he will turn the team around if given enough time to work with the team. Keshi is my brother; we were together in Belgium and have always got along very well. I am sure he is also looking forward to this game. He will also want to go into that game with a chance of picking a quarter-final ticket.

The Nigeria Zambia clash will be tough one. It’s a dream come through meeting Nigeria again Soccer cynics feel the current Zambian squad lacks the hunger to win the Nations Cup back to back. This was evident with the way and manner the team qualified for  AFCON 2013 in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out against Uganda. What is your take on this?

Well, Nigeria is rebuilding while we are a team already. While Nigeria is rebuilding, Zambia are the African champions and that is good morale for us .Playing as champions demands lots of commitment. People rate you as champion on the street but it is up to you to go and defend the trophy. I think our team has been doing well  far, that champion stuff has come out and Zambia has been able to show that we can play any team and win well if we get our acts right. We are going to take the Nigeria match very serious.

You recently took a swipe at top African footballers playing abroad for their little or no commitment towards their national teams knowing well that CAF had to change the AFCON calendar to suit foreign based stars. What do you think is responsible for the unpatriotic attitude of African players?

Commitment has nothing to do with being super rich as a footballer; you will be heading toward the wrong direction if as a footballer you allow your wealth to override your level of patriotism. Naturally, African players are very proud. I have been into football all my life and even I saw this same attitude in some of the players who  featured before me. It is important for our players to be disciplined on and off the pitch.

My question is ; what is the potential of the African game? Why can’t African teams get to the semi-finals of the World Cup?

My feeling is that we have to be disciplined and committed. We want them to make us proud in Africa just as they do with their clubs in Europe. The world is waiting for Africa to take its place at the world level. We want to go to 2014 World Cup and do well; we need to ask this, what conclusions   can we draw from 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa? We want more victories in 2014 World Cup in Brazil and we hope any team that qualifies does us proud.
We want the players to be committed and if we are committed, Africa will go ahead and do well in Brazil.

Can you stick out your neck on the teams that will make it to the last four of AFCON 2013?

I think all the teams stand a good chance. All the teams that qualified are strong enough. We just hope the best team wins and hopefully see our star shine and add glamour to the tournament. It is important all the countries raise their standards and I pray and hope we defend our trophy successfully.

MABO: S/AFRICA WILL BE TOUGH FOR FALCONS

Former Super Falcons coach, Ismaila Mabo, says beating South Africa in today’s semi-final clash of the AWC in Equatorial Guinea will be tough but he’s sure Nigeria will emerge winners. He spoke with BAMIDELE BOLUWAJI

You must have been very impressed with the Super Falcons performance at the 2012 African Women’s Championship in Equatorial Guinea...

Yes, I am really impressed and happy with what the players have done so far. With what they have done in the first round of the tournament, they have shown that they have something encouraging to offer in the tournament.

The Super Falcons will play South Africa in the semi- final stage coming up in Bata, how do you think the team should approach the match?

The players need to be very technical in the match and remain focused because my experience with South Africans over the years has proved that they are not always an easy team to beat. They may not be very technical like our team, but they are fast and dangerous on the ball. I remember in 2003 when we played them in one of the Olympic Games qualifiers in Pretoria, we were leading them 2-0 before they leveled up the game. We thought we had everything in our hands until they fought back to secure a 2-2 result. So South Africans are a team that must be handled with all seriousness. It is one of the obstacles the team must cross if they want to go beyond the semi-final stage.

But do you see the South Africans causing any upset in that match?

Football is really difficult to predict these days because many African countries are showing interest in the game, but for South Africa, I will say there is no cause for alarm. But our players must be well focused and show determination to win. The match will definitely be tough but I don’t see them beating the Super Falcons. We have players who are highly experienced in the game, they have been there for quite some time now and I don’t see them losing to South Africa in the match.

From what you have seen of the South Africans in the first round of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea, how would you rate the team?

Well, they have been doing well because it is not easy to make it to the semi -final stage without playing well. And that is the more reason why they should not be underrated in the match. By my own rating, they have not done badly.

What motivation do you think the Super Falcons need to win the semi- final match against South Africa?

They need all the motivation they can get, though the team has been motivated by the FA, but now that they are in the semi-final stage, the FA can still do more so that the players will be willing to go out and give their very best in the encounter.

What are your expectations from the encounter?

My expectation is for our players to win the match. And in doing this, the coaches should make the players to understand the importance of that match even before they step onto the pitch at all.

How will you analyse the Super Falcons in their first round matches in the tournament?

They started well against Cameroun who have been our major enemy in women’s football. Beating them 2-1 in the opening game really gave our players some confidence against Ethiopia in the second game. And the last game which gave us the semi-final ticket was not also easy. Cote d’ Ivoire are gradually coming up, they have good players and for our girls to have beaten them 3-1 in the last qualifying game, it means they have done so well but they need to do more because the tournament is now at a very crucial stage and it is only the best teams that will make it to the final.

Aside the Super Falcons, which other team have also impressed you in the tournament so far?

Cameroun has really impressed me, but I don’t see them as a better side than our team because there have been lots of improvement in the current squad and all the players are doing well.

You have said it before that you were confident that the Super Falcons will win the tournament; do you still have that level of confidence in them?

Yes, I said so based on what I saw in the team and I will still repeat it that the team has what it takes to win the Championship. All they need is full support from the FA and the entire nation so that they can defend their title.
Let’s talk about Perpetua Nkwocha who has been part of the team for a long time, what would you say about her?

Nkwocha has been one of the best players we have in the team- highly experienced and dedicated. I am really happy that she is still doing well and I will like to advice the young ones to learn from her dedication and commitment to the nation. I was told recently that she will go on retirement after the Championship, and I think she has done enough to deserve a befitting retirement.

She has also set a 15-goal target at the on-going AWC, do you think she can make it?

She can make it because she knows her personal ability and what she can do. She has done it before, so we should all support her to do it again. For a CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year to be a Nigerian and in our rank, she deserves nothing less than our full support.”

Then how would you describe Coach Kadiri Ikhana’s style of coaching?

He is the best for now and he has proved it. He will definitely do his best to raise the standard of women’s football in Nigeria.

Finally, what is your message to the team?

My message is that they should be patient, focused, disciplined, determined and committed to the cause of winning the title in Equatorial Guinea.

Ronaldo: I Would Vote For Myself If I Could

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he deserves the  2012 Ballon d’Or award as the Best Player In The World, to such a degree that he said, “I would vote for myself if I could”.

The rulebook states that he can’t, but Ronaldo laid his opinions out in an interview that covered his rivalry with Leo Messi, his relationship with Mourinho, his alleged individual streak and even the rumours surrounding a future move to PSG. “I am the way I am, and I like it”, said the Portuguese, who also talked about Leo Messi.

“People constantly compare us. The newspapers and the TV stations seem convinced that it’s a subject that sells. But to tell the truth, I’m getting a bit bored of all that”, he said.

When asked about his personality on and off the pitch, he was very frank: “Too much humility isn’t good. In Portugal, when people talk about being humble then they’re really being vain”.

“I play because of my passion for the ball, for my love of the shirts I wear. If I did it for money, then I’m sure I’d be at another club”, said Ronaldo, who wasn’t scared to talk about some controversial issues: “I’m very hot blooded and passionate. Sometimes I end up saying things that I don’t really think”.

“All players like teams such as PSG, Chelsea or Manchester to want to sign them. But that’s something I’m not considering at the moment”, concludes the Real Madrid player.